COMMENTARY: The Bridge Called ‘Devil’ – Murder On The Devil

The Bridge Called ‘Devil’ – Murder On The Devil

Rawlston Pompey

When ‘Saints or Sinners’ looked up at the skies, they are said to be looking at ‘Heaven.’ When they are airborne, and looked down on the ‘Earth,’ they are said to be looking at ‘Hell.’ Though it is not called ‘Hell,’ there is a place on mainland ‘Antigua,’ called ‘Devil’s Bridge.’ No one knows just where  hell is. There is the naturally-carved out ‘Peninsula,’ with fiercely rolling Atlantic waves.’ Though so named, none has ever seen the devil.

TERROR AND HORROR

Peculiar as the name ’Devil’s Bridge’ may be, and unusual a name for a ‘Place and Bridge,’ it holds no ‘Terror and Horror’ to the non-adventurous nationals, residents and visitors. Many people are afraid of the ‘Devil,’ and the ‘Bridge.’ Still, many are not afraid, neither of him, nor the dangers posed. Non-seductive; non-enticing; and uninviting, seemingly those not so afraid, have riskily entered upon it, to see ‘Something.’

UNDER THE DEVIL

These, however, may be experienced by the ‘Adventurous’ and the ‘Risk-Takers.’ They are not afraid. These are the ones likely to attempt to cross over, or swimming near to, or ‘Under the Devil.’ Though not physically seen, he appeared always to be on top of the ‘Bridge.’ For the unsuspecting and innocent visitor, particularly him/her pre-determined to die, it means an instant watery death. This would be ‘an unlawful killing,’ disguisedly perpetrated to give the appearance of ‘an Accidental or Suicidal Death.’

PERSPECTIVE

Criminally, those without the benefit of formal investigative training, may not necessarily harbor thinking that may guide approaches to the solving crime. The incident at the ‘Bridge of the Devil’ makes the point. This commentary looks at an apparent well-orchestrated and deeply suspicious criminal act of murder. From all indications, and in particular, the isolated locale and peculiar time ‘between 6 am and 6. 45 am,’ for an early morning visit, suggested an ideal ‘Place and Time’ for the  perpetration of a heinous criminal act.

DEFLECTING SUSPICION

In the case of the ‘Devil’s Bridge’ incident, criminal investigators shall know that in the absence of ‘an eyewitness’ account, criminal suspects are not expected to incriminate themselves in criminal wrongdoings. They shall also know that accounts will be given, either to ‘Deflect Suspicion’ or ‘Pervert the Course of Justice.’ The investigator that appeared at the ‘Scene of Death’ and does not ‘Think Crime,’ is more useful to criminals than of the population. Still, criminals shall know that no matter the disguise or sophistication, some ‘Damning Circumstance’ invariably exists to aid ‘Detection of Crime.’

SURROUNDING CIRCUMSTANCES

Though sometimes not readily available, working as a team, the astute and meticulous criminal investigators often look closely at a set of ‘Surrounding Circumstances.’ Then they may draw reasonable inferences in assisting in developing rationally conceptualized theories. Such ‘Theories’ often guide a functional approach, that invariably, produced desired and satisfactory investigative results.

BROKEN GLASS SYNDROME

Looked at from the perspective of staging the heinous criminal act of murder, the murderer often attempted to make it may appear either ‘Accidental or Suicidal.’  It has been the professional experience that many ‘Murder Suspects’ have rarely found their way out of jeopardy and the penitentiary.  Early in Law enforcement, it was repetitively instructed as to be inculcated in the mind this quote; ‘…Commit a crime and the world is made of glass. Most importantly, trainees were told that no matter the crime or the sophistication employed; ‘Some damning circumstance always exists.’ [….]. The ‘Broken Glass-Syndrome,’ speaks to these truths.

DEAFENING SILENCE

Consequent upon that which criminal investigators have informed the citizenry that was under investigation, some two weeks have passed in ‘Deafening Silence.’ Suspecting the ‘Devil’s Bridge’ incident to be ‘Drowning-related, could prove that law enforcement personnel might be starved for professional investigative training. Pointing toward a ‘Coroner’s Inquisition,’ those with statutorily-imposed duties shall be gently reminded of their obligations. Moreover, they shall be mindful of perilous consequences, intended to ensure compliant with regulations and ‘Obedience to Law.’

DEEPLY SUSPICIOUS DEATH

That which has since become of topical interest to every law-abiding citizen and every ‘bona fide visitor,’ has been the ‘Deeply Suspicious Deaths’ of a mother and her innocent son. Parliament anticipated that deaths that have inspired public interest, and inaction that may provoke public wrath, shall be addressed by; (i) ‘District Coroners; and (ii) The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).’ Thus, the law provides; ‘The ‘DPP’ may require any Coroner to hold an Inquest into; (a) ‘The Cause of; and (b) Circumstances connected with the death of any person’ [Coroners Act: Chapter 105: Section 44].

TALKING OR SOLVING CRIME

It has been the experience that some personnel are good at ‘Talking’ to the incidents of crime. Take not that from the ‘Talkers.’ Even as some delight in parading before television cameras, ‘Making Belief,’ as it affects criminal investigation, likened to the ‘Old Lady’ that lived in the ‘Shoe,’ many have not the ‘Slightest Clue’ as to what they shall do.

DEVIL’S BRIDGE INCIDENT

Those lacking the requisite skill-set and capacity of the trained criminal investigators, may not see, what others have seen. These are the ones who believed that the ‘Mother and son,’ on their own volition, entered upon the ‘Bridge of the Devil,’ accidentally fell and inescapably drowned. While it may pose some  difficulty for some personnel, the viewed from the perspective of a criminal act, this incident shall never be seen as unsolvable.

NATURAL JUSTICE

Some fourteen days have passed since the family of three, was struck by a ‘Devastating Tragedy.’ Incidentally, except for the assigned criminal investigators, the tragedy has perplexed the entire nation. So perplexed, that vendors at the public market have rejected the account of the ‘husband/father’ as to the circumstances surrounding the apparent suspicious and unsuspecting ‘Lured to Death’ wife and son.’ Whatever the suspicion, no judgement shall be passed against the father. Besides the ‘Constitution Order’ not only provides every suspected or criminally-charged person, the right to the presumption of innocence, and the legal principle-  ‘Natural Justice.’

WONDERS OF NATURE

Something has happened to reinforce belief that ‘Satan is Real.’ Seemingly, with reckless abandon, if so accepted, they reportedly visited the ‘Peninsula’ to  observe the ‘Rising Sun.’ This could have been observed at any part of the world, including Canada.’ Clearly, heartlessly; irresponsibly and helplessly, a husband watched them succumbed to the ‘Perils of the Sea.’ This has been the early morning, when they had been clearly ‘Lured’ into traversing across the spectacle, seen as one of the many ‘Wonders of Nature.’ They both disappeared into the deep blue sea.

MURDER OR MISADVENTURE

Clearly not devoid of understanding, law-abiding citizens have seen that which criminal investigators have not seen. Mindbogglingly, where the lay persons saw two ‘Suspected Murders,’ law enforcers saw two ‘Suspected Drownings.’ The lay persons have seen a ‘Crime’ being perpetrated against an innocent and unsuspecting mother and son. Somewhat daftly, Law enforcement saw a ‘Misadventure,’ resulting from an accidental fall and two accidental drownings.

DOUBLE-DROWNING

When news broke of a ‘Double-Drowning’ at the ‘Bridge’ called ‘Devil,’ instantaneously, the nation was driven into a somber mode. Citizens, barely awaked from overnight sleep, were not only jolted off their beds, but also shocked into dismay. When it was revealed that a ‘37-year-old Canadian mother and her 5-year-old son’ were the victims, all rightful thinking mothers and fathers wondered and quizzed what both mother and son were doing at the ‘Bridge of the Devil,’ between the rather unusual time; ‘6 am and 6. 45 am’ [November 30, 2023].

UNSWIMMABLE WATERS

Most citizens in reverence with ‘God’ was horrifyingly greeted with awe. The nation, shocked into disbelief that a ‘Mother and Child,’ fell off the ‘Bridge of the Devil,’ into ‘Unswimmable Waters. No other person was present, and no one knew of the ‘Circumstances’ surrounding; (a) ‘Their presence at, or on the ‘Bridge of the Devil; and (b) Their deaths, but ‘husband and father, Satwick Misna.’ Hearts, broken and saturated with sadness, the concerned mothers and fathers and husbands and wives, frantically searched for answers.

EVE OF DEPARTURE

That which seemingly boggled the mind of the nation, was that tragedy struck only a ‘Mother and Child’ on the ‘Eve of Departure’ from ‘Antigua and Barbuda.’ The three-member family, comprising of; (i) ‘Husband Satwick Misna 38; (ii) Wife and mother, Mohini Misna 37; and (iii) An innocent 5-year-old son, Shray.’ They reportedly found themselves on the ‘Bridge’ and over the sea, that legends associated with the ‘Devil.’

CARIBBEAN SUNRISE

The ‘Misna’ family, visiting from ‘Canada,’ apparently, as part of the visitor experience, they appeared to have been guided to the ‘ Bridge of the Devil.’ Reportedly, to witness a ‘Caribbean Sunrise.’ They may have truly believed that they were taken there, expectedly to see the ‘Sun’ emerging over the horizon into the eastern sky of ‘Antigua and Barbuda.’ Prior to the ‘Fateful Visit’ to the ‘Bridge of the Devil,’ no one knew of the possibility of enduring miseries for the last seven days of their lives, and the final week in the month [November- 2023].

ISLAND PARADISE

As an ideal tourist destination, the nation continues to be advertised as an ‘Island Paradise.’ Clearly, with its natural national attractions, among which, the spectacle of a ‘Bridge’ named the ‘Devil.’ The online information purportedly provided by the ‘National Parks Authority (NPA),’ describes it as; ‘A rugged limestone bridge formed by crashing waves, with ‘blowholes’ [NPA: Google]. Irrespective of fantasies, these ‘blowholes or outlets’ carved by the constantly fierce-rolling Atlantic waves, are equally as dangerous to cross, as the lanes of the ‘Friar’s Hill Highway.’

MARVELS AND BOGGLES

Though not necessarily as frequent, the crashing waves could cause a person to challenge ‘Commissioner of Police, Atlee Rodney QPM’ in flight skyward off the ‘Bridge.’ Billowing of the ‘Atlantic Sea,’ crashing waves have been sending water spouting spectacularly in the air through the ‘blowholes.’ These, to the nationals often ‘Marvelous’ the eyes and ‘Boggles’ the mind. Still, the ‘Devil’ in the ‘Bridge’ has never been seen. That which might easily be said of the ‘Bridge’ has been the rugged, uneven and sharp-pointed rocky surface.

BAKKA AND CEJHA

These have made it extremely difficult for even a leisurely walk from one end to the other. Since the ‘Bridge’ was called Devil,’ it will have been a pathway to some place not called ‘Heaven’ or ‘Yasco Sports Complex.’ Even tempted by the ‘Devil,’ the athleticism, adroitness and agility of the two national sprinters, ‘Daniel ‘Bakka’ Bailey and Cejha Greene,’ could never have attempted a stumble-free ‘2-meter sprint across the ‘Bridge.’ Neither would they attempt a muscle-toning swim in the choppy  and treacherous waters below.

BOY SAW SOMETHING AND RAN

Feeding ‘Police and officialdom with a ‘Pot Spoon,’ the lone witness to the incident reportedly explained to ‘Tourism Minister, Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez’ in these media-quoted lines; ‘…The little boy saw something and ran; …Just then, a wave came up; …He grabbed his mother’s legs; and they both fell into the water.’ Clearly, with a sudden crashing wave no little 5-year-old  boy has such reflexes. Even as such appeared to have been inconsistent with truth, law enforcement and  the ‘Minister,’ likened to a Duck beaking a worm, appeared to have gobbled it down [CTV: Global Affairs: December 5, 2023].

REASONABLE SUSPICION

Incidentally, when it was revealed that the incident was reported by the husband of the woman and father of the young child, suspicious; distraught; and outraged,’ citizens called for swift and decisive action to be initiated against him. They suspected that the infrequently visited area between dusk and dawn may have been for no other reason, but for an act of criminality. It was not surprising that the overwhelming majority of the citizenry, harbored ‘Reasonable Suspicion’ that foul-play had brought about their deadly demise.

ASK FRANKIE

An awkward stumble or a gentle tip of the heel or nudge by the elbow, means  a fall that will result in bodily injuries. Worst yet, a fall of the ‘Bridge of the Devil’ into the sea, also means ‘Sudden and Unnatural Death.’ Logic dictates that the adventurous person falling into waters that were neither (a) ‘Swimmable; nor (b) Navigable,’ necessarily means sorrow and grief. One might now wish to ask ‘Frankie;’  ‘Why would a husband allowed his wife and son to be exposed to inescapable death?’

UNTIMELY DEATHS

None may deny that life is full of complexities. None may also deny that equally as much, have been the complex nature and unpredictable behavior of humans. These, looked at from the perspective of crime, and for whatever may be the ‘Motivating Factors,’ humans continue to inflict serious harm upon others. Not infrequently, people from every stratum of society, have had their lives snuffed out, some innocently and unsuspectingly, unaware of their demise, some were lured to ‘Untimely Deaths.’

THE PATHOLOGIST

In fact, if so, determined by the ‘Pathologist,’ that will only be stated as the ‘Cause of Death.’ As it affects ‘Natural and Unnatural Deaths,’ here may be several ‘Causes.’ In the instant case, the likelihood of ‘Drowning,’ shall not be ruled out. The Pathologist will make such determination. He/she will know whether or not the deceased were killed before their bodies entered the water. From professional observations, the post mortem shall  show a ‘water-filled lungs.’

CAUSES OF DEATH

Forensically and evidentially, a ‘Coroner and Jury’ shall be guided to an understanding that a deceased person was alive, and that he/she was inhaling. There are numerous ‘Causes of Death.’ Universally, among the ‘widely known ‘Causes of Death,’ are: (a) ‘The shot and killed: (b) Stabbed; (c) Hacked to death’ (d) Tortured; (e) Strangled; (f) Suffocated: (g) Poisoned; (h) Overdosed (Michael Jackson); (i) Starved; ‘Surgery-related death; (j) Electrocuted; (k) Hanged; (l) Pushed to death; or (m) Burned to death; and (o) Immovably-chained captive, held in a non-oxygenated gas-filled room.’ Indeed, the Sciences, often helped in crime-solving.

PATHOLOGIST REPORT

Those unfamiliar with the statutory provisions contained in the ‘Coroner’s Act,’ appear not to know that the death of a ‘Mother and Child,’ though sudden, were not due to ‘Natural Causes,’ as in the case of a ‘Heart Attack.’ As it relates to this incident, professional criminal investigation experience, suggests an agency, heading to the ‘Cross-Road’ to nowhere. This remains so, as criminal investigators await the ‘Pathologist’s Report’ to ascertain the ‘Cause or Causes of Death.’

WARPED MENTALITY – CONFUSED MIND

Cognizance of man’s evil-filled hearts, the lay person suspected that a crime has been committed.  Yet the thoughts of those with responsibility for preventing and detecting crime, veered off into the sea. They saw ‘Drownings.’ Theirs was a ‘Fixation on Cause of Death.’ That which shall be said is that, though criminal investigators suspected drowning, such does not account for the ‘Circumstances’ surrounding the death of a mother and child. Nothing prevents the citizenry from believing that the approach to investigation into the ‘Devil’s Bridge’ incident, speaks to a ‘Warped Mentality’ and a ‘Confused Mind.’

PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE

Even without the benefit of ‘Prima Facie Evidence,’ the citizens were looking at the heinous crime of murder. Instructively, law enforcement harbored no such thoughts. Naturally, their suspicions of the presence at the ‘Devil’s Bridge’ between ‘6 am and 7 am,’ not only suggested some gory reasons, but also for something hideous to occur. Given their visitor-status and ‘Canadian’ nationality, whatever may be the reason or criminally, the ‘Motive,’ the deaths have caused imaginable, yet immense grief to be visited upon the respective families of the living and the dead.

FUNCTIONAL CONFUSION

That which have been causing ‘Functional Confusion’ in the mind of criminal investigators, appears to have been an inability to understand that which is required of; (i) ‘The Pathologist; and (ii) The investigator.’ That which the statutory provisions dictate is that the ‘Pathologist’ shall; (a) ‘Make a report as to the ‘Cause of Death’ to the District Coroner; and (b) Give an opinion as to whether further enquiry shall be made as to the ‘Circumstances’ under which the deceased person came by his/her death’ [Coroners Act: Chapter 105: Section 8].

FUNCTIONAL ROLE

Conversely, the ‘Functional Role’ of the ‘Investigator is to conduct investigations to ascertain the ‘Circumstances’ respecting the death of the deceased person. Such ‘Circumstances’ given under ‘Oath’ are then ventilated before a 5-member ‘Coroner’s Jury.’ Their duty is to ascertain from those ‘Circumstances’ whether or not the death was; (a) ‘Accidental,’ as to find a verdict of ‘Misadventure; and (b) Ascertain if any person shall be held ‘culpable.’

EGREGIOUSLY RECKLESS

In the instant case respecting the deaths of the ‘Canadian Visitors;’ (i) ‘Mother Holini Misna; and (ii) Her son Shray’ in choppy seas at ‘Devil’s Bridge’ between ‘6 am and 6. 45 am [ANR: November 30, 2023]. A Coroner shall not only be considered ‘Grossly Negligent,’ but ‘Egregiously Reckless,’ not holding a ‘Coroner’s Inquisition’ into the ‘Cause and Circumstances,’ that have led to their deaths in the choppy waters at the ‘Bride of the Devil.’

SUSPECTED ACT OF CRIMINALITY

Though ‘Devil’s Bridge’ incident speaks to grief, it also speaks to a ‘Suspected Act of Criminality.’ Researching for this commentary, a foreign news portal published an ‘Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Press Release.’ The disseminated ‘Release states; ‘…On November 30, 2023, they were informed that a ‘Woman and Child’ had fallen into rough waters’ at 6. 45 am’ [CTV Global Affairs: Updated: December 5].

CRIMINAL LIABILITY

This was suspectedly occasioned by a ‘Perilous Push’ off the ‘Bridge of the Devil’ of the ‘Mother and Child. Should it be so found by the ‘Circumstances’ presented under ‘Oath’ as evidence, and looked at in their entirety, the ‘Coroner’s Jury’ shall determine that a ’criminal ‘Act or Omission’ had ‘Caused’ the death of a deceased person. In respect to ‘Criminal Liability,’ the ‘Coroner’s’ Jury shall consider and return a verdict of either; (i) ‘Murder: (ii) Manslaughter.’ If an infant, ‘Infanticide;’ [Coroners Act: Chapter 105: Section 32].

WHERE ANGELS FEAR

An investigative look at the suspicious incident, focuses on a ‘Press Release’ purportedly disseminated by the ‘Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF). This ‘State Agency’ had promptly dispatched its ‘Asset’ to the ‘Bridge’ called ‘Devil.’ The non-navigable waters were confirmed by a ‘Recovery Team.’ There was no hope of victims’ survival and rescue from the devilish choppy waters. Though equipped with life-saving apparatus, the ‘Maritime Responders’ ventured not ‘Where Angels Fear.’

RESPONDING MARINERS

The Coast Guard Commander, having assessed the conditions, soberly and prudently’ avoided tragedy to personnel and asset. The ‘Press Release’ further states; ‘…The asset continue to monitor the environment closely in good faith of locating the ‘Missing Child.’ Indeed, the personnel shall not only be seen only as an asset to the Miliary, but also more importantly, in perilous conditions, yet in readiness, valiantly rendering service to the nation.

ABDF: PRESS RELEASE

Continuing, it informs that; (a) ‘The ABDF Coast Guard responded to the scene around 7. 30 am; and (b) But determined that surging sea condition was too unsafe to navigate.’ Such, given evidence shall confirm to  a ‘Criminal or Coroner’s Jury’  the conditions observed by the mariners. Though criminal investigators had not so determine, the ‘Coast Guard’ had in fact arrived at the ‘Scene of the Crime of Murder.’ The personnel were in ‘Recovery Mode.’ The body of the child was then not seen. Either of the environment, or the devil, the mariners too, were mortally afraid in venturing, where themselves, might be rescued.

CHOPPY AND TREACHEROUS

The body of a female was fished from the choppy waters. As residents converged upon the area, then not considered a ‘Crime scene,’ Willikies resident Ronald ‘Mayfield’ Hosier’ reportedly made the gruesome observation. Whatever may be the excitement, none shall provoke wrath in the devil. None shall tread across the ‘Bridge.’ Whether or not the ‘Bridge’ was considered dangerous; or the waters were ‘Choppy and Treacherous;’  or the Devil was angry at the time of visit, even the highly-skilled personnel of; (a) ‘Swimmers; (b) Divers; (c) Searchers; and (d) Rescuers,’ dared not to venture too close to the ‘Bridge.’

UNTIL CONTRARY PROVED

The incident has not only provoked angry responses, but rationally prompted suggestions that they may have been innocently lured to their untimely and unnatural deaths. No one would be better positioned to assist criminal investigators with the Sequence of Events,’ than ‘Satwick Misna’ himself. On the investigative principle- ‘Until the Contrary is Proved,’ none shall rule out that which has aroused reasonable suspicion,’ and speaks to an orchestrated deadly act of criminality.

SEALED WITH A PUSH

For the unsuspecting ‘wife and son Shray,’ their fate appeared to have been pre-determined and ‘Sealed with a Push.’ Both were doomed, either for a ‘watery death or a grave under rugged rocks. Their deaths had been as certain as the ‘Rising of the Sun.’ Momentarily, they may have had the opportunity of just a fleeting glance or none at all. If it was to be argued, unknowing of their fate, likened to ‘Lambs to the Slaughter,’ they went peacefully and innocently.

SUNRISE AND SUNSET

Clearly not suspected of any crime, ‘Satwick Misna’ had the perfect explanation for ‘Tourism Minister, Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez.’ Even so,  few nationals believed the account pertaining to that which may or may not in actuality, Still, neither law enforcement, nor public officials knew of the intention of ‘Satwick Misna.’ That which everyone now know, is that  his wife and son could neither see another ‘Sunrise; Bridge of the Devil,’ nor another ‘Sunset.’

HARROWING EXPERIENCE

Should criminal investigators not grasp the information contained in the ‘ABDF Press Release’ as to; (a) ‘Have clear understanding of sea conditions then existed at the ‘Bridge of the Devil; and (b) Reasonably inferred that both mother and son may have been deliberately exposed to treacherous sea conditions. These conditions, undoubtedly, resulted in a most ‘Harrowing Experience’ and ultimately a horrifying, untimely and unnatural death.’

COMBATTING CRIME

That which Police administrators shall be constantly mindful of, are these; (i) ‘No matter the strategies employed; or (b) Measures in place for ‘Combatting Crime,’ residential and trans-national criminals will continue to devise sophisticated ways to commit heinous crimes. Though an incident seemingly disguisedly reported as ‘Accidental Deaths,’ there shall be no reason for criminal investigators not to subject the reporter of the incident to ‘Extensive Criminal Interrogation.’

CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

As far as the progress of investigation may have been made, this is within the knowledge only of criminal investigators. That which some citizens reasonably suspected was that the made-to-appear drownings, have effectively cut short the lives of a wife at the threshold of the prime of life, and a son, still at the stage of infancy. Looked at from an evidential perspective, that which is capable of being properly used as ‘Circumstantial Evidence,’ might be deduced from this timely ‘Press Release’ by the ‘Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF).

PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE

Criminal investigation has never been about ‘guessing or speculating, nor reaching pr-mature conclusions without prima facie evidence. Law enforcers shall know that some crimes were staged to give the appearance of either; (a) Accidental; or (b) Suicidal.’ The Case of ‘Police Constable Kasroy Simon’ shall guide the investigative approach of criminal investigators that both mother and son have been ‘murdered.’ Research has shown that having killed her, he allegedly; (a) ‘Inflicted a lacerated wound to her wrist; and (b) Placed a Clorox bottle next to her body to give the appearance of a ‘Suicidal Act’ [March 2019].

MURDERS AT SUNRISE

Should professional incompetence and environmental influences be allowed to cloud better judgment, though not necessarily a ‘Prophet,’ in the place refers to as; ‘Island Paradise,’ futuristically, there will be many more ‘Murders at Sunrise.’ This might be the appropriate time for organizational streamlining. This is where the skills and expertise of the competent shall be given due considerations. advantageously and productively exploited, while those that have reached the level of their professional competence, be reassigned.

CORONER’S INQUISITION

When Parliament gave legislative considerations to the ‘Coroners Act’ [No. 11 of 1949], it anticipated that people who died: (i) ‘By accident, except those in; (a) ‘Careless: or (b) Dangerous; or Reckless driving,’ in a Coroner’s Inquisition, the ‘Coroner’s Jury shall return a verdict of ‘Misadventure; and (ii) Some will die of Natural Causes.’  Likened to those of ‘Misadventure,’ the ‘District Coroner shall issue a ‘Warrant to Bury Where Inquest Is Unnecessary.’

KILLINGS: JUSTIFIED/UNLAWFUL

Parliament also anticipated that some people will be killed. Some might be; (a) ‘Justified; while (b) Some Unlawful.’ Then there are those ‘Deaths’ that may; (c) ‘Occur in mysterious or suspicious circumstances.’ These deaths statutorily require the conduct of ‘Coroner’s Inquests’ to ascertain the circumstances under which these persons came to their deaths.’ For deaths so occurred a ‘Warrant to Bury Where Inquest is Necessary’ shall be issued by the ‘District Coroner.’

CORONER’S INQUEST

The law makes it clear that; ‘Where a Coroner has reasonable grounds to believe  or suspect that any deceased person whose body is within his/her District died ‘an Unnatural Death,’ if he/she thinks the ‘Circumstances of the Case,’ so require, he/she may at any time without waiting for the ‘Report of the District Medical officer, hold an Inquest as to; (a) ‘Cause; and (b) Circumstances’ of the death of such deceased person’ [Coroners Act: Chapter 105: Section 11]. For the benefit of knowledge, in criminal prosecutions, ‘Evidence of Circumstances,’ is that leading to a ‘Presumption of Fact,’ is admissible at a criminal trial.

CONCLUSION

Law enforcement and officialdom, likened to an infant in arms, appeared to have been fed with a ‘Bottle of Baby Formula,’ this was what they had sucked in; (a) ‘…The little boy saw something and ran; (b) …Just then a wave came up: (c) …He grabbed his mother’s legs; and (d) They both fell into the water’ [November 30, 2023]. The fundamental criminal investigation questions are: (i) ‘In relation to the deceased’s position on or off the ‘Bridge of the Devil,’ (i) ‘Where was the 38-year-old husband ‘Satwick Misna’ from his wife Mohini Misna and son Shray? (ii) In whose physical custody was his son? (iii) Why was the husband not the person taking physical custody of his son? There shall neither be negligence, nor omission. On the premise that the ‘Circumstances’ surrounding their deaths, that which is fundamental to ‘Justice’ and the ‘Rule of Law,’ demands that at all material times; ‘Justice shall manifestly appear to be done’ [1924: Sussex Justices: KB: 256].

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