DNA testing will be used to establish whether the decomposed body of a female found near the Millennium Highway is that of missing woman Merrisa Auguste. One person is in custody in connection with the discovery.
The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) said in a statement on Sunday that a post-mortem examination is also scheduled for Monday, to determine the cause of death.
Police said preliminary investigations strongly suggest that the deceased may be Auguste, who went missing on September 9, but stressed that her identity has not yet been formally confirmed.
“Formal identification has not yet been legally finalised,” the RSLPF said, adding that “law enforcement cannot conclusively confirm that the body discovered is that of Merrisa Auguste until science dictates it”.
The body was discovered in a bushy area near the Millennium Highway on Friday, after police received a report from a citizen at about 4:40 p.m. Officers responded and confirmed the discovery. A medical practitioner later pronounced the individual dead at about 6 p.m.
Because of the advanced stage of decomposition, the deceased could not be formally identified at the scene.
Meanwhile, police confirmed that one person was arrested on Saturday in connection with the investigation. The individual remains in police custody as inquiries continue.
Auguste, of Boguis, Babonneau, was reported missing on Thursday, September 10, at about 3:30 p.m., after being missing from approximately 5 p.m. the day before.
Her pink Honda Fit, registration number PU1689, was later found unoccupied and locked, along the Ti Colon, Castries road. The words “TOP GIRL RIRI” were reportedly written on the front windshield.
The Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation and appealing to anyone who may have information relevant to the case.
“We will spare no effort, resource or avenue in this investigation – even if we have to bring in international experts to assist our teams,” the RSLPF stated.
Police are particularly seeking information from anyone who travelled along the Millennium Highway before Friday afternoon and observed suspicious behaviour, unusual vehicular parking or other activity in the area.
Investigators are also asking anyone who observed suspicious activity or movements around Auguste’s vehicle while it was parked along the Ti Colon, Castries road, to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact the Major Crimes Unit at 456-3754, the RSLPF Crime Hotline at 555, or submit an anonymous report through the official RSLPF Crime Hotline App.
