Two years after DNA samples taken in 2023, finally confirmed that a woman found dead on Chatham Beach was Averzon Miller, her family is now facing a new hurdle – officials at the Forensic Science Centre now say they cannot locate her remains.
Relatives, who had planned Miller’s funeral, told Guardian Media yesterday that the Forensic Science Centre (FSC) has been unable to find her body, which has led to agony, shock, and disappointment.
“This is ridiculous. I don’t know what to do again. We will not give up, but it is not easy. They said they are looking for it, but we not hearing anything,” lamented Miller’s sister, Kealizanda Grant.
Miller, a mother of six from Point Fortin, vanished on July 15, 2023. Days later, a decomposed body was discovered off Food Crop Beach Road in Chatham. Miller’s relatives viewed the body at the centre on September 3, 2023, and DNA samples were taken from Miller’s father and nephew.
Relatives complained that despite numerous enquiries, they were unable to obtain the DNA results until they went to the media on August 12. Two days later, police confirmed that the DNA results matched Miller.
Grant said they were told they could collect Miller’s body from the FSC the following week. She said the family had finalised a date for Miller’s funeral, but when they arrived at the FSC, her body could not be located.
Grant said relatives have planned a vigil for Miller at her home on September 20, while they wait to give her a proper send-off. Guardian Media’s attempts to contact officials at the Forensic Science Centre for a response yesterday were unsuccessful. —Sascha Wilson
