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Trinidad and Tobago police uncover 56 bodies, mostly children, at cemetery
TL;DR
Trinidad and Tobago police discovered 56 bodies, primarily children, abandoned in a cemetery. The investigation suggests unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses, with forensic analysis ongoing.
Key points
- 56 bodies discovered in Trinidad and Tobago cemetery
- Majority of the bodies are children, including 50 infants
- Some adults had identification tags and signs of post-mortem exams
- Investigation suggests unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses
- Forensic analysis is ongoing to determine the origin of the remains
Law enforcement officials in the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago have launched an investigation after 56 bodies, mostly of children, were found abandoned at a cemetery.
On Saturday, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) announced the discovery in a statement. The bodies of 50 infants were recovered, as well as those of four adult males and two females.
At least one of the adult women and one adult male showed signs of having undergone a post-mortem examination. All the adults had identification tags, similar to what is often used at morgues.
“Preliminary indications suggest that this may be a case involving the unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses,” the police service said.
“Further forensic analysis is underway to determine the origin of the remains and any associated breaches of law or procedure.”
The discovery took place in the town of Cumuto, some 40km (25 miles) from the capital, Port of Spain.
After the remains were discovered at the cemetery, Cumuto police secured the scene and began a forensic examination. Specialised units, including homicide experts, have also been deployed to the site.
In Saturday’s statement, Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro acknowledged how disturbing the discovery was.
“The nature of this discovery is deeply troubling, and we understand the emotional impact it will have on families and the wider national community,” Guevarro said.
“The TTPS is approaching this matter with urgency, sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. Every cadaver must be handled with dignity and lawful care. Any individual or institution found to have violated that duty will be held fully accountable.”
The improper disposal of human remains is a criminal offence in Trinidad and Tobago, as it is in other parts of the world.
The island nation, located north of Venezuela, has also struggled with an uptick in organised crime in recent years.
In December 2024, Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency to combat gang violence, and while its initial duration was only 15 days, the emergency declaration has remained in place, for the most part, ever since.
As recently as March, the country’s House of Representatives voted to extend the state of emergency by an additional three months.
At the time, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said 373 people had been detained under the emergency proclamation, which expanded the powers of law enforcement to make arrests and enter public and private premises.
She said her government would continue its “zero-tolerance approach to crime and criminal gangs”.
Q&A
What did Trinidad and Tobago police find in the cemetery?
Police found 56 bodies, mostly of children, including 50 infants, at a cemetery.
What are the preliminary findings regarding the bodies found?
Preliminary indications suggest the bodies may be unclaimed corpses that were unlawfully disposed of.
What signs were found on the adult bodies discovered?
Some adult bodies showed signs of having undergone post-mortem examinations and had identification tags.
What actions are being taken following the discovery of the bodies?
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is conducting further forensic analysis to determine the origin of the remains.
