Residents praying police find killer of mom, daughter

People are still being interviewed and statements being recorded, one senior officer said yesterday. “All leads are being checked at this time,” he said.

An autopsy performed on Wednesday at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, revealed that real estate agent Sylvestine “Baby” Bernard, 87, and her daughter Kathy Ann, 38, died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Their bodies were already in an advanced state of decomposition when a neighbour went to check on the women at their home located at the corner of Gonzalez Street and SS Erin Road in De Gannes Village on Carnival Monday night. Meanwhile members of a shocked and shaken community are anxiously awaiting and praying that police find the killer of the two women. They are convinced the person may be from the village and walking around a free man.

One woman told Newsday yesterday, “I don’t like courthouse but if in the morning I know her killers are coming to court, I will be the first one in front the building waiting to see who did that to them.” Residents said Bernard always exercised caution in her day-today routine. The woman was described as a tough and astute businesswoman who owned several prime residential and commercial properties in south Trinidad.

And they said although she was rich, she lived a simple lifestyle, practiced her Catholic faith and did charitable works in the community. She and her daughter however kept to themselves, residents told Newsday. They lived very private lives. Kathy Ann, Newsday was told returned to Trinidad a few years ago to live with her mother. They were always seen in each others company.

Bernard’s three other children returned to Trinidad on Tuesday night. The funeral service for the women is expected to be held next week.