Within days of each other, Jamaicans have been confronted with a series of grim discoveries: decomposed bodies in rivers, bushes and remote communities; skeletal remains hidden in vegetation; and victims whose disappearances ended in tragedy.

The incidents, recorded across several parishes during June, unfolded even as the island continued to record relatively low weekly murder figures, highlighting a lesser-known aspect of policing in which cases are initially classified as “decomposed body found”, “skeletal remains found”, “body found” or “death investigation” while investigators determine identity, cause of death, and whether a criminal offence has been committed.

A review by The Gleaner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) weekly reports covering much of June, together with official reports and independently verified news reports, identified at least 14 body discoveries and death investigations across the island.