Linus Constantine
The decomposed body found on Marisule beach, Gros Islet on April 15, 2014 is confirmed to be that of 18-year-old youth leader Linus Constantine who was reported missing around that time.
This was disclosed at a press conference at Chesterfield, Police Headquarters in Castries this morning.
Police Commissioner Vernon Francois told reporters that a post mortem on Constantine’s body by Pathologist Dr. Stephen King revealed that he died of extensive head injuries secondary to blunt force trauma.
Initially, the investigative team spoke with a forensic official, Dr. Stephen Simpson, who was summoned to reconstruct the dental structure of the deceased. It was revealed that five teeth were missing.
A thorough search was conducted at the crime scene and the five missing teeth were recovered.
On Tuesday, May 8, the right and left thumb print records of Constantine were retrieved from the Electoral Department and taken to the Criminal Records Office.
The right and left thumb prints of the decomposed body found on Marisule beach was also taken to the office for analysis and comparison. It was later revealed that the two sets of finger prints matched.
In providing further details of the investigation, Francois said on June 2 certain articles were recovered from the residence of Constantine and taken to the forensic lab for DNA analysis. Further, on September 10, the lab suggested the possibility of pulp in the deceased which might have been useful for DNA testing. Lab personnel then commenced the procedure of extracting two molars and one incisor from the deceased and then cutting through the teeth to expose the apparent pulp.
After the procedure was completed, the teeth extracts were submitted to the lab for DNA testing.
Francois said on September 5, assistance was sought from retired Inspector of Police Stephen Chicot, who was provided with the fingerprint impressions. He examined and compared the fingerprints and noticed that it was a perfect match.
The police chief said assistance was also sought from the Royal Grenada Police Force, where an expert compared the fingerprints and informed local police that the fingerprints matched.
Once this was completed, the body was returned on Oct. 8 to Dr. King who was satisfied with the results. The pathologist then amended the post mortem documents to include Constantine’s name.
The relatives of Constantine were informed of the results this morning and the body handed over.
Police have since interviewed one suspect who was later released. The police chief said the matter will be aggressively pursued now that the identity of the decomposed body matches that of Constantine.
He explained that the investigations and DNA analysis may have taken a long period, but the aim was to ensure that a proper investigation was carried out.
Constantine, who was the chairman of Youth Talk, was officially reported missing on April 27 – almost 12 days after the body in Marisule was discovered.