Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the recent discovery of a female body found near the Millennium Highway on Friday.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been confirmed by police.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force emphasized that they cannot definitively identify the remains as belonging to 21-year-old Merrisa Auguste, a missing woman, “until science dictates it.”
Formal identification processes are still ongoing. Due to the serious nature of the case, the Major Crimes Unit has taken charge of the investigation.
Acting Superintendent of Police in charge of the Central Division, Annantha Wilson provided an update regarding the findings surrounding the decomposed female body, discovered in a bushy area near the Millennium Highway on September 11.
According to ASP (ag) Wilson, a missing persons report for Merrisa Auguste from Babonneau was filed on September 9, following her disappearance.
Investigators also recovered a pink Honda vehicle, registration # PU 1689, notably marked ‘Top Girl Riri’, which was found unoccupied and locked along Ti Colon Road in Castries.
Key Details from the Police Statement:
– The Criminal Investigations Department responded to a report at 4:40 p.m. on September 11, leading to the discovery of the body in an advanced state of decomposition.
– A medical practitioner pronounced the individual dead at the scene.
– Due to decomposition, formal visual identification was not possible. The police have highlighted that final identification depends on a scheduled post-mortem examination and conclusive DNA testing.
– One individual was arrested on September 12 in connection with the ongoing investigation.
– Preliminary findings suggest a strong link to the missing Merrisa Auguste, whose abandoned pink Honda Fit was previously recovered.
In conclusion, ASP Wilson stated: “We are handling this matter with the highest level of professional urgency, transparency, and sensitivity. The RSLPF will spare no effort, resources, or avenues in this investigation, even if we have to bring in international experts to assist our team.”
Authorities are urging anyone who may have information regarding the incident to contact the police.