Cunupia body identified

The body which was found in a shallow grave at Jerningham Junction, Cunupia, on December 9, has been identified as father of three Paul Aqui.

Yesterday, his wife Odika Quamina went to the Forensic Science Centre where she identified the partially decomposed body of her husband. The woman told police investigators that on November 25, her husband left their Ramsaran Street, Cunupia home saying that he was going to Toco. She said that Aqui, 40, was recently released from prison for a drug offence. The mother of three admitted that the relationship between herself and Aqui was strained. According to reports, Aqui told his wife that he was fed up of staying at home and needed some space. Aqui reportedly left home and reportedly made no contact with relatives.

On December 9, an anonymous caller telephoned Crime Stoppers and reported that a body was in a shallow grave at Ramsaran Trace, Cunupia. Officers of the Chaguanas CID, led by Inspector Burt Raphael, Sgt Dennis Housend, Ag Sgt Ajith Persad and Cpl Danny Ramlogan went to the scene. The body was later found in a shallow grave buried in a canefield. Police discovered that the body was wrapped in a garbage bag and tied with pieces of cloth.

An autopsy carried out on the body revealed that Aqui died from strangulation. Investigators believe that he may have been killed close to his home and his body buried in the shallow grave by someone he knew. Residents of Ramsaran Street, Cunupia, described Aqui as a quiet person who kept to himself. They admitted that he once sold drugs, but was not known to be involved in any illicit activities. Newsday learnt that a woman will be quizzed today in connection with the murder. Cpl Ramlogan is investigating.