Death of Hannah Mathura… Police await DPP’s decision on couple
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INVESTIGATORS are still awaiting instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard, SC on how to proceed against an elderly couple in connection with the death of Hannah Mathura.
This was confirmed yesterday by ACP Richard Smith during a news briefing at the Police Administration building in Port of Spain.
Smith said the police file provided to the office by investigators was still in the hands of the DPP.
However, he said he hoped the process would be completed soon and that there would be closure in this case.
Mathura’s skeletal remains were discovered in the back yard of her Valsayn home in March.
In April, DNA results confirmed the remains were those of the missing 18-year-old girl.
Investigators have been meticulously crafting a case in this matter, and wanted to ensure that all loose ends were tied up before approaching the DPP’s office.
On March 12, officers of the North Central Division swooped down on the home after being informed of several illegal activities that allegedly took place at the premises.
The male suspect, on seeing the police, fled the scene in a red Kia sedan. After securing the occupants of the home and taking them for medical treatment, police were informed that the body of an 18-year-old, who was never reported missing, was buried in the back yard.
Officers excavated a 15-by-20-foot area in the back yard and found skeletal remains, believed to be that of Hannah Mathura, who was last seen alive in July 2017.
A post-mortem performed the following day at the Forensic Science Centre, Federation Park, revealed that there were holes in the skull, consistent with gunshot injuries.
However, DNA testing was ordered to confirm whether the body was indeed that of Mathura, as there were certain inconsistencies with the findings.
Samples were taken from both parents and submitted for testing.
The couple, a 66-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman, was arrested on March 13.
Their seven children aided police with inquiries and have given statements.
On March 19, officials from the Homicide Bureau approached the Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard SC, who examined the files presented to him for just over two hours before instructing that the couple be released, as he believed further evidence was needed to form a prima facie case.
