Lida Lewis, the 84-year-old Peruvian Vale farmer who was found dead in her community on July 2, was strangled, an autopsy has concluded.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said on Friday that the Major Crime Unit is continuing its investigation into the death.
Investigators are appealing to members of the public who may have information that could assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding her death to come forward.
Lewis is the sister of former South Windward MP Burton Williams.
She was found dead after police responded to a request for assistance in the Peruvian Vale area around 12:50 p.m. on July 2.
The officers who responded to the report checked the area, including areas that Lewis was known to frequent.
During those checks, police found Lewis unresponsive and she was later pronounced dead at the scene.
“Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in the Peruvian Vale area before Ms. Lewis was discovered, or who has information concerning any activity or movement that may be relevant to the investigation,” police said in their statement on Friday.
“Someone may have noticed something that appeared ordinary at the time. Someone may have heard something and dismissed it as unimportant.
That information, however small it may seem, could assist investigators when considered alongside the evidence and other information already received,” the statement said.
Investigators are urging members of the public not to assume that someone else has already reported what they know.
“Every family affected by a serious crime deserves answers, and the cooperation of the public remains vital to the work of investigators,” police said.
“Persons are encouraged to provide information based on what they personally saw, heard or know. To protect the integrity of the investigation, relevant information should be communicated directly to the police rather than circulated through unverified claims or public speculation,” the release said.
Police had initially taken several people into custody in relation to the killing. However, the update on Friday did not mention these people.
Police are asking people with information to call 456-1810, 457-1211, 999, 911 or the nearest police station.
“Information received will be treated confidentially, and appropriate measures are available to protect persons who provide information where the circumstances require,” police said.
“The RSVGPF extends sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of Ms. Lewis and remains committed to pursuing this and all other active investigations with diligence and impartiality,” the release said.