Senior Reporter
shane.superville@guardian.co.tt
As investigations continue into the death of Hannah Mathura, attorneys representing her siblings say they are now being made aware of certain circumstances unearthed by the police probe.
Mathura’s remains were found in the backyard of her family’s Butu Street, Valsayn South home last Tuesday.
Mathura’s 66-year-old father and 62-year-old mother were detained in the matter but the Director of Public Prosecutions ordered their release last night, ordering investigators to gather more information in the ongoing probe.
During a virtual media briefing yesterday, attorneys Sanjiv Boodhu and Sasha Paula Singh said the Mathura siblings had co-operated fully with investigators through several interviews.
Without revealing any details, Boodhu said there were different pieces of information the siblings themselves were not aware of until detectives began their investigation.
“Several facts have come out as a result of the police investigation that they themselves need to grapple with, need to internalise and eventually I can only assume we will receive instructions to update the public accordingly,” Boodhu said, adding he was cautious to reveal too much information which may compromise the ongoing inquiry.
He also confirmed that none of the seven siblings had returned to the family’s Valsayn South, home.
Boodhu added that the siblings were still in the process of coming to terms with the traumatic situation before them.
He said while the Mathura siblings wanted to express their gratitude and appreciation to the public for their encouragement and support, some derisive comments from some social media users were affecting his clients.
Referring to comments where some users suggested the siblings themselves should be investigated, Boodhu said while the family had not explored legal action against social media news sites who repost such claims, he implored the public to be wary of unverified statements.
“I cannot say the family has gone to the extent of looking to seek legal action at this point in time, but certainly we continue to advise the children on their rights to any remedies that might be applicable,” he said.
“We would just again encourage the public and the media to utilise the official means of communication and take our releases to be the reliable source of information.”
Asked if the siblings were considering obtaining a protection order against their father if he was released or granted bail, Singh, who is the senior attorney on the matter, said they had offered advice to their clients, adding the siblings felt assisting the investigators would allow for justice to be done.
“They are very hopeful that the appropriate course of action will come from them finally sharing their stories and they are very hopeful that will lead to a just outcome.”
An autopsy on Mathura’s remains last week revealed that she died from gunshot wounds.
However, Singh said she had not received information from the siblings as to whether or not there was a gun in their home.
Mathura’s remains are still stored at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, pending the results of some tests.
Singh said the issue of a funeral service for Mathura has been raised by her siblings but has not yet been finalised as the investigation is not yet complete.
“We are not of the view that the time for that is appropriate. We are not clear on whether the police have completed what is necessary for them on their end to satisfy the siblings’ want to go further.”
Boodhu said the siblings were also receiving psychological support from the police Victim and Witness Support Unit and commended investigators for their professionalism and compassion at this time.
Boodhu added that one of the siblings who is still a minor was approached by the Children’s Authority, who has also been involved in offering assistance and support.
