Police in Trinidad and Tobago discover 56 human remains at local cemetery

Investigation Launched After Discovery of Abandoned Bodies at Trinidad and Tobago Cemetery

A total of 56 bodies, including 50 infants and four adult males, were found abandoned at a cemetery in the town of Cumuto, Trinidad and Tobago. The discovery was made on Saturday by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). According to the police service, preliminary indications suggest that this may be a case involving the unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses.

The bodies were discovered at the cemetery, which is approximately 40km from the capital, Port of Spain. The Cumuto police secured the scene and began a forensic examination. Specialized units, including homicide experts, have been deployed to the site.

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro acknowledged the disturbing nature of the discovery in a statement. “The TTPS is approaching this matter with urgency, sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth,” he said. “Every cadaver must be handled with dignity and lawful care.”

The improper disposal of human remains is a criminal offense in Trinidad and Tobago. The country has been experiencing an uptick in organized crime in recent years, leading to a state of emergency declared in December 2024. The emergency declaration has remained in place since its initial duration of 15 days.

In March, the House of Representatives voted to extend the state of emergency by three months. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar stated that her government would continue its “zero-tolerance approach to crime and criminal gangs.” Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Trinidad and Tobago has seen a sharp increase in its homicide rates.

The TTPS is conducting further forensic analysis to determine the origin of the remains and any associated breaches of law or procedure.

Source: Al Jazeera