13/09/2026
Press Statement on Body Found at Millennium Highway
The Major Crimes Unit of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) has assumed control of an intensive investigation following the tragic discovery of a deceased female.
The RSLPF recognizes the profound anxiety, concern, and pain currently felt across Saint Lucian communities regarding public safety and crime. We hear the public’s calls for answers and share your urgency. In line with our unwavering commitment to absolute transparency, community trust, and accountability, we pledge to keep the public fully and accurately informed with verified facts as this investigation unfolds.
The initial report of the discovery was received by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on Friday, September 11, 2026, at approximately 4:40 p.m. Officers responded swiftly to a citizen's report of a body located in a bushy area adjacent to the Millennium Highway. Upon arrival, investigators confirmed the presence of a deceased female. A medical practitioner visited the scene and officially pronounced the individual deceased at approximately 6:00 p.m.
Due to the advanced stage of decomposition, a definitive identification could not be established at the scene. Recognizing the complex nature of the circumstances, the case has been officially handed over to the Major Crimes Unit for a comprehensive and specialized investigation.
The RSLPF wishes to address widespread public concern and speculation directly. On Thursday, September 10, 2026, at about 3:30 p.m., a missing person report was filed for Merrisa Auguste of Boguis, Babonneau, who was reported missing from about 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Her vehicle—a pink Honda Fit, registration number PU1689, featuring the words "TOP GIRL RIRI" written on the front windshield—was recovered unoccupied and locked along the Ti Colon, Castries Road.
While preliminary investigations strongly suggest that the missing person is the individual discovered, formal identification has not yet been legally finalized. Out of profound respect for the family's emotional well-being and the integrity of the process, law enforcement cannot conclusively confirm that the body discovered is that of Merrisa Auguste until science dictates it.
Justice and accuracy require time and rigorous protocols. A formal post-mortem examination is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2026, to determine the exact cause of death, and DNA testing will be utilized to conclusively confirm the identity of the deceased.
We can confirm that on Saturday, September 12, 2026, law enforcement arrested one individual in relation to this investigation. This individual remains in police custody as the investigation continues.
We are handling this matter with the highest level of professional urgency, transparency, and sensitivity. The RSLPF will spare no effort, resource, or avenue in this investigation—even if we have to bring in international experts to assist our teams. Our thoughts and deepest empathy are with the Auguste family and all families of missing loved ones during this painful period of waiting. We are deploying every specialized resource to uncover the absolute truth.
Crime-fighting is a shared responsibility, and public cooperation is the cornerstone of our efforts to keep Saint Lucia safe. The Major Crimes Unit is appealing directly to the community for assistance:
• Anyone who travelled along the Millennium Highway or observed any suspicious behaviour, unusual vehicular parking, or activity in the area leading up to Friday afternoon.
• Anyone who observed any suspicious activity, individuals, or movements near the pink Honda Fit (PU1689) while it was parked along the Ti Colon, Castries Road.
Your information will be handled with the strictest level of confidentiality. Anyone with relevant information can contact the Major Crimes Unit directly at 456-3754, call the RSLPF Crime Hotline at 555, or submit an anonymous report securely through the official RSLPF Crime Hotline App.
We will share further verified updates transparently as forensic evidence becomes available.
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