Mary Lynch (left) being released from the Fort Augusta Correctional Centre, St. Catherine, on Friday, May 18. She is embraced by her youngest sister Maureen Doyley who, along with other siblings and relatives, waited over five hours for Lynch's walk to freedom. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

After 14 years of incarceration, St. Andrew housewife Mary Lynch emerged from the Fort Augusta Correctional Centre in St. Catherine, shouting "Hallelujah!" She was released on Friday, May 18, at 2:20 p.m., to a throng of family members, friends and members of the media.

Her siblings, who had gathered from shortly after 9:00 a.m., had mixed emotions. The youngest, Maureen Doyley, said she felt more relieved than happy. On Thursday evening, Doyley had visitedwith her sister and left the fuschia floral two-piece outfit for her journey to freedom. The rest of the colourful ensemble included a matching handbag and shoes. She was tastefully made up and sported a medium length cropped wig and huge sun shades.

Friday evening's meal would include steamed fish and no doubt the enjoyment would be in the fact that it was the first one she could personally request in 14 years.

Imprisoned for murder

Mrs. Lynch, who was imprisoned for the 1992 murder of her 54-year-old banker husband Leary Lynch, was 52 years old at the time. Mr. Lynch was chopped to death at the couple's Cherry Gardens residence, St. Andrew, between May and June of that year and his remains were found in a remote area of Smokey Vale, St. Andrew. The body had 25 chop wounds, some of which were inflicted after death. The body was identified by Lynch's dental records.

A source close to Mrs. Lynch said she has expressed a desire to work with outreach programmes that target women at Fort Augusta.