Acting DPP: Decision on Hannah Mathura case by month-end

Senior Reporter

jensen.lavende@guardian.co.tt

A decision on what charges, if any, are to be laid in relation to the skeletal remains found at a Valsayn home in March, is expected to be made by the end of the month.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Joan Honore-Paul told Guardian Media that police were advised throughout the investigation, after the remains of Hannah Mathura were found at her Butu Road, Valsayn home on March 12.

Mathura’s bones were excavated from her backyard after a family member informed the police about the remains. The family member alleged that Hannah died and was buried in the backyard in June 2017. At the time of her death, Hannah was 18.

Her parents were arrested shortly after her remains were found but later released pending further inquiries. An autopsy conducted two days after the discovery revealed the teen may have been shot in the head.

DNA tests performed on the bone marrow and biological tissue-like cartilage from decomposed skeletal remains were cross-referenced with Hannah’s siblings to confirm that they were related.

Last week, police sources said the matter was nearing an uncertain end, however, as the case was on the verge of becoming statute-barred when it comes to specific charges.

However, Honore-Paul dismissed this, saying that the issue of the case being closed without charges does not arise.

When asked for an update on the investigation and possible charges, the acting DPP said: “A decision with respect to this matter will be made by the end of September.”

In April, Hannah’s siblings were hoping to receive her remains for a proper send-off. But police said the remains are being kept at the Forensic Science Centre until the matter is closed.

Following the discovery, Hannah’s siblings and parents moved out of their home and returned months later.

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