A major twist has emerged in two of Saint Lucia’s most scrutinized investigations — the deaths of Chakadan Daniel and Kimberly De Leon. It turns out that contrary to earlier public statements by Police Commissioner Verne Garde, Saint Lucia Daily Post has learnt that the evidence linked to both matters was never missing and remains securely in police custody.
The revelation contradicts Commissioner Garde’s comments during his final press conference before proceeding on vacation in July, where he acknowledged concerns about missing exhibits tied to both cases. Those remarks triggered widespread public criticism and raised doubts about the integrity of the investigations and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).
According to the source, the confusion stemmed from the temporary closure of a key police building in Vieux Fort, during which all exhibits were packed into a single room and stored in separate boxes. After an extensive search, the exhibits were later located, intact, and properly logged with the evidence custodian.
The source explained that the exhibits were always there. When the building was shut down, everything had to be stored away, but the items were never lost and have remained under police custody the entire time
The source added that members of the investigative team were informed of the exhibits’ location and were even invited to physically verify the items, yet no public clarification was issued to counter claims of missing evidence.
The source highlighted a critical concern: no forensic analysis has been conducted on these exhibits for over a decade, a lapse that raises questions about the overall progress and effectiveness of both investigations.
The conflicting narratives have intensified scrutiny on the RSLPF’s internal communication processe. Whether Commissioner Garde was misbriefed or not fully informed remains unclear, but the fallout has reignited public debate over transparency, accountability, and justice in these unresolved cases.
As of publication, the RSLPF has not issued an official statement addressing these latest revelations.
