Final tests on T&T soldier confirm strangulation

(Trinidad Express) investigation into the death of Lance Corporal Curtis Marshall is still being actively pursued, with homicide detectives detaining several members of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment for questioning.

Marshall was found lying unconscious at Defence Force Headquarters in Chaguaramas on the night of December 29 last year and died two hours later at the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital in Cocorite.

Yesterday, homicide officers said they have not given up on the investigation into Marshall’s death, with more than 25 members of the Regiment being questioned.

An autopsy performed on December 31 by Dr Eslyn McDonald-Burris at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, concluded Marshall, 31, died as a result of strangulation.

Pathologist Dr Hubert Daisley initially agreed with the findings of McDonald-Burris, but later informed the soldier’s family the results may have been wrong. He stated that after he performed a second autopsy, it was found Marshall died following an asthma attack.

A third autopsy done by forensic pathologist Dr Valery Alexandrov stated Marshall was strangled.

Marshall’s brother, Dennis, yesterday told the Express Alexandrov had contacted him regarding the results of tests performed on tissue samples taken from Marshall’s lungs, liver and other organs.

The tests, which were completed this week, showed Marshall was strangled and his death was in no way associated with an asthma attack, said Dennis Marshall.

He said investigators had been constantly contacting his family, updating them on their progress.

“We want to thank Dr Alexandrov and the investigators. The police never stopped working, they treated it like a homicide from day one, and they are still doing so,” said Dennis.