The Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation into the discovery of a woman’s decomposed body near the Millennium Highway, with police confirming that one person has been arrested as investigators probe a possible connection to missing woman Merissa Auguste.
Providing an official update on the investigation, Acting Superintendent Annanthar Wilson of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force said the individual was arrested on Saturday, September 12, and remains in police custody as inquiries continue.
Wilson, however, cautioned against prematurely identifying the deceased as Auguste. While preliminary investigations strongly suggest that the missing woman may be the person discovered, formal identification has not been completed.
The body was discovered in a bushy area adjacent to the Millennium Highway on Friday, September 11, after the Criminal Investigation Department received a citizen’s report at approximately 4:40 p.m.
Officers responded and found the deceased female, who was pronounced dead by a medical practitioner at approximately 6 p.m.
Wilson said the body was in an advanced stage of decomposition, making definitive identification at the scene impossible. Given the circumstances, the investigation has since been transferred to the Major Crimes Unit.
The discovery came amid an active investigation into Auguste’s disappearance.
A missing person report was filed at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, after Auguste, of Boguis, Babonneau, was reported missing from approximately 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9.
Her pink Honda Fit, registration number PU1689, was subsequently recovered locked and unoccupied along the Ti Colon–Castries Road.
Addressing mounting public concern and speculation, Wilson stressed that police cannot conclusively state that the body is Auguste’s until the scientific identification process is completed.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Monday, September 14, to establish the cause of death, while DNA testing will be used to conclusively determine the deceased woman’s identity.
Wilson said the RSLPF is prepared to deploy every available resource in pursuit of answers, including seeking assistance from international experts if necessary.
The Major Crimes Unit is appealing to anyone who travelled along the Millennium Highway or observed suspicious behaviour, unusual vehicle parking or other activity in the area leading up to Friday afternoon to come forward.
Investigators are also seeking information from anyone who may have observed suspicious activity, individuals or movements around Auguste’s pink Honda Fit while it was parked along the Ti Colon–Castries Road.
Anyone with information can contact the Major Crimes Unit at 456-3754, call the RSLPF Crime Hotline at 555, or submit an anonymous report through the RSLPF Crime Hotline app.
Wilson said further verified updates will be provided as forensic evidence becomes available, while extending the RSLPF’s sympathy to the Auguste family and other families awaiting answers about missing loved ones.
