Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie says a suspect was handed over to the St. Ann police yesterday, in connection with the death of a homeless woman.

Mr. McKenzie has expressed sadness at the fatal stabbing of the woman in St. Ann’s Bay on Sunday night.

He said the victim, Tamika Mattis, was well known to the staff of the Ocho Rios Drop-in Centre and frequently used the facility.

He said while the full circumstances surrounding the incident are still being determined, the available information is that Miss Mattis was fatally wounded after an altercation with another homeless person.

The Minister noted that intensive investigations by the police resulted in the suspect being handed over to the St. Ann’s Bay Criminal Investigation Branch.

He said the tragic event draws attention to the need for greater social awareness about the realities of homeless people.

The Minister added that too many of them have relatives who have shunned or otherwise cut them off from contact and care.