RCIPS PROVIDES UPDATES ON THREE HIGH-PROFILE CASES

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Force (RCIPS) has provided critical updates on three high-profile cases under investigation.

In a significant development, murder charges have been brought against a man in connection with the abduction and death of two-year-old Cayman Brac toddler Alissady Azalea Powell. The child’s body was found on the iron shore in Cayman Brac on 26 July 2022.

The suspect, a 33-year-old man named as Devon Emmanuel Wright Jr., appeared in court on Thursday and was remanded into custody for a further court appearance on July 11th.

Two other persons who had previously been arrested in connection with the death of the child have now been ruled out.

Commissioner of Police Kurt Walton said that he had given a commitment regarding seeking justice for the toddler and her family. ”When I took over on October 1st (2023), I put child safeguarding as the top priority. This case has always been at the forefront. At town hall meetings when I was asked, my response was ‘I would spare no expense to get to the bottom of this young child’s death’. I was determined that we exhaust all lines of inquiry no matter the cost and that we could deliver justice for the family.”

The RCIPS reported that it utilised local and external expertise in its investigation which led to the one person formally charged with the abduction and murder of Alissady Azalea Powell.

“Because of the tedious and meticulous investigation there was a sufficiency of evidence that led to the charges,” Commissioner Walton added.

Two other current high-profile cases remain under investigation.

The RCIPS disclosed that it has ruled out third-party involvement in the case of missing journalist Andrell Harris, and separately the death of senior Cayman Islands Monetary Authority official Judiann Myles.

Mr Harris was reported missing on June 4th. The RCIPS said several items believed to be linked to him have been found but to date, Mr Harris's whereabouts remain unknown after intensive searches.

The body of Ms Myles, who headed the Monetary Authority’s Anti-Money Laundering Division, was recovered from a burnt-out vehicle in Bodden Town on April 3rd.

The RCIPS said its responsibility is to conduct "full, thorough and meticulous” investigations with an open mind and to keep the families updated.