Police have confirmed that the decomposed body discovered along the Millennium Highway is that of missing 21-year-old Merrissa Auguste, with a post-mortem determining that she died from strangulation. Two people are in custody as the Major Crimes Unit investigates her death.
Auguste was reported missing on Thursday, September 10. Her partially decomposed body was discovered along the Millennium Highway in Castries the following day.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Albert Charlery, who has responsibility for Corporate Services, confirmed that Auguste was formally identified and that a post-mortem conducted on Monday, September 14, established strangulation as the cause of death.
Police had initially withheld the identity of the deceased pending confirmation.
Charlery said two individuals are assisting investigators but did not disclose their connection, if any, to Auguste. No charges have been announced.
Extending condolences to Auguste’s family and loved ones, Charlery said the RSLPF “remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”
The development comes amid heightened public anxiety over reports of missing people and alleged attempted kidnappings circulating online.
RSLPF figures show that 11 missing-person reports were received between August 1 and September 14. Nine of those individuals returned safely, while 59-year-old James Hunter Nuell, also known as TJ, of Faux-a-Chaux, Vieux Fort, remains missing.
Police have also flagged unverified voice notes, exaggerated or false claims and information incorrectly attributed to the RSLPF.
Charlery cautioned that information circulating on social media and messaging platforms should not be treated as fact unless verified by police, warning that misinformation can “cause unnecessary fear and panic,” distress families, interfere with investigations and potentially put people at risk.
“If the information cannot be verified, do not circulate it,” he urged.
The RSLPF also warned against confronting people accused or identified through unverified social-media messages. Charlery said vigilante action could endanger innocent people and communities and compromise police investigations.
There could also be legal consequences for some electronic communications. Charlery pointed to Saint Lucia’s Computer Misuse Act, Chapter 8.14, including Section 15, which addresses certain communications that are menacing in character and intended, or recklessly likely, to cause annoyance, inconvenience, distress or anxiety.
“Where there is evidence of a breach of the law, the appropriate investigative and legal processes will be pursued,” he said.
Police stressed that the warning should not discourage the public from reporting genuine crimes, missing persons or suspicious behaviour. Credible information should instead be reported directly to law enforcement through the Crime Hotline at 555 or the RSLPF Crime Hotline app.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and accurate information and responsible communication are essential to that effort,” Charlery said.
The Major Crimes Unit investigation continues.
