Homicide detectives are expected to get the results of DNA tests done on the skeletal remains found on the Valsayn property of the Mathura family by the end of this week, which is a final step before any charges can be laid.
Speaking with Guardian Media yesterday, head of the Homicide Bureau Snr Supt Rishi Singh said the result is the “chief delay” in the police’s investigation. Singh said he could not disclose much more about the case, given that it is at a sensitive stage.
At a media conference last week, Singh said the DNA results were not yet ready. The results, Guardian Media was told, will help investigators confirm the identity of the remains, although it is suspected to be those of Hannah Mathura.
The remains were found on March 11 at the Butu Street, South Valsayn property of the Mathura family. A week later, police returned to the house with an excavator and cadaver dogs. This was done a day after Hannah’s father, Andrew, and mother were released by investigators in their ongoing probe of the case.
After their release, the father, Guardian Media was told, returned to the Ramjit Street, Tunapuna home his brother previously occupied. This is the same property where he was arrested a day after the remains were found.
When Guardian Media visited the Tunapuna home yesterday, however, no one was there.
Residents said since his return, the man has kept mostly to himself. However, some residents expressed reservations about his return and are looking forward to the police closing their investigations sooner rather than later.