(Trinidad Express) The children of murdered labourer Jennifer Ali went to the Forensic Science Centre in St James yesterday, where blood samples were taken to confirm their mother’s identity.
Relatives said blood was taken from Ali’s 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, in order to do a DNA match.
A body was found in the back seat of Ali’s pick-up on Thursday, burnt beyond recognition.
The case is similar to that of murdered cousins Dale and Jerome Ramsahai, whose charred remains were found in the trunk of their car in the Heights of Guanapo, Arima, last month. The bodies have still not been returned to relatives for the final rites, since the results of DNA tests, being done in the United States, are still pending.
Ali’s pick-up was discovered shortly after she was abducted while driving to work at the Couva/Talparo/Tabaquite Regional Corporation on Thursday morning.
Relatives are convinced the burnt body is Ali’s. Her sister, Afrose Manny, said, “The body was badly burnt. But my brother and daughter went to view it and they are sure it is her. That was a gruesome death. I don’t know why someone would want to hurt her like that.”
Manny said her family was baffled by Ali’s death, as her life was never threatened in the past.
“She (Ali) and her husband are preachers. They are not attached to any church, but they are people who preach the Bible. They are active in the church and are loved by everyone, so when we heard this we couldn’t believe,” she said.
Manny said nightly prayer services were being held for her sister.
“We have pastors coming here to pray for the family. We had four pastors last night and the prayer service continues tonight. We are just waiting to get the results of the DNA tests and then we will make arrangements,” Manny said.
Ali, 43, was kidnapped at the junction near her Siewdass Road, Freeport, home around 6 a.m. An eyewitness contacted her relatives and the police. Investigators were told a vehicle pulled across the roadway, forcing Ali to stop.
Three men wearing clothing resembling police uniforms and carrying guns walked up to the van and bundled her into the back seat.
Police were later called to Sou Sou Lands, Carlsen Field, where they found the vehicle on fire. The charred remains of a body were found in the back seat.
Police were told Ali was expected to appear before the court on a land dispute matter next week.
