The body of a young woman found floating in the sea has been identified as a famous Instagram influencer – and police have named a suspect in the investigation.
Aneka ‘Slickianna’ Townsend, 35, who had 320,000 Instagram followers, was found in the coastal town of Reading, St Andrew Parish, Jamaica, at around 9.30am on October 21.
Aneka's partially decomposing body was found by beachgoers who immediately informed the local authorities.
Officers requested assistance from their counterparts in the Marine Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to help remove the body from the sea.
Witnesses said they saw the authorities remove a towel that appeared to be covered in blood as well as a wig from the scene.
Following the grim discovery, the police later confirmed that the victim was Aneka, a fashion influencer and brand ambassador originally from St Andrew Parish.
According to local reports, she was positively identified by her mother later that same day.
The police have since named Rushane ‘Chizzie’ Patterson as a person of interest in the woman’s death and called on him to show up at Freeport Police Station in Montego Bay, St James, by 5pm on October 22.
The police stated: “We have Rushane Patterson of Prosper, Hanover, as a person of interest in this investigation and we are asking him to turn himself in to the police by 5pm.”
However, the suspect had not handed himself over to the police by Sunday evening, according to the JCF.
A number of raids were also carried out in a neighbouring parish that led to a car being seized.
The authorities have called on members of the public to come forward with any information that will help the investigation too.
Aneka, who tragically leaves behind a young son, was known for her fashion content and endorsed several brands, as well as running the online clothing store Slick Pieces JA.
On 18 October, her last post on TikTok, viewed 165,000 times, shows her moving into a new home with the caption ‘New Beginning’.
The same day, she shared a photo of herself posing at Dining With Curvy, owned by local celebrity Yanique ‘Curvy Diva’ Barrett.
Barrett shared a photo of Aneka at the restaurant alongside the heartfelt message: “Three days ago! I just saw you three days ago when you came by the restaurant with your mom for her birthday.
“We were laughing cause I wanted you to try something other than the stuffed lobster which was your favourite.
“To know that the last pic you posted was at the restaurant and you'll never dine with us again hurts my heart! Rest In Peace. I still can't believe.”
The investigation is ongoing.
One Instagram follower said: “Extremely sad. Condolences to her son and her entire family at this time... my prayers are with them.”
“I'm in disbelief.... doesn't feel real,” said another.
“The hearts of men grow colder each day. We are lost as a people,” wrote someone else.
Another user remarked: “RIP Slick. I really can't believe what am seeing. You were my favourite social media influencer.”
“Just sad why would someone kill her, we need answers! No Justice no peace,” commented another.
