The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus of Saint Lucia has expressed deep concern and outrage over the loss of evidence in two homicide cases, both having police officers as persons of interest.
The Caucus is calling for stronger security measures and unwavering support for the Police Commissioner’s probe to apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
“This disturbing incident underscores the urgent need for strengthened security protocols for evidence storage.
The Caucus stresses that the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force bears a critical responsibility to ensure that evidence, particularly in cases where police officers are implicated – is stored, tracked, and monitored under the strictest safeguards,” the Caucus said in a statement on Wednesday.
“This includes the use of restricted access systems, regular audits and independent oversight to prevent tampering or removal,” the statement added.
The Caucus reaffirmed its support for the government’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and urged all citizens to stand together.
“Crime is a matter of national concern and only through collective action can we protect the safety, integrity and future of our nation,” the group stated.
The Caucus commended the Commissioner for his transparency in the investigations.
Earlier this month, Police Commissioner Verne Garde told reporters that critical evidence in two cases – Kimberly De Leon and Chakadan Daniel who’d died under suspicious circumstances, were missing.
Daniel was in police custody at the time of his death on October 23rd 2013.
“The exhibit being a noose… I must be honest with the people of Saint Lucia, we are in a position where the exhibit… has been removed from its sealed position and it is no longer available for assessment by the RSLPF,” Garde said on Daniel’s death.
Regarding Kimberly De Leon who was shot and killed at her residence on October 29, 2018, the police commissioner said “We had to follow up with the exhibit room and also the Special Service Unit armory and as we speak today we are not in a position to have secured this exhibit.”