Laventille man charged with killing month-old baby

On instructions from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions yesterday, a  Laventille man was charged with the murder of a one-month-old baby. According to reports, Genelle de Roche, 17, left her baby Kimberly Boyke in the care of a relative and went into Port-of-Spain around 9 am last Saturday. She returned sometime later and when she attempted to breastfeed the child, found she was not responding. The mother also saw blood oozing from wounds on the baby’s back and neck, with burn marks on her mouth and head. After speaking to neighbours, she took the limp body to the Mount Hope Medical Complex, where doctors declared Kimberly dead.

The autopsy, performed by Dr Hughvon De Vignes, confirmed that death was due to multiple traumatic injuries suffered from lashes from a blunt instrument. The autopsy also confirmed that she was burnt about the body. When Newsday visited the Prizgar Lands, Laventille home of de Roche, the woman explained that the relative had often accused her of being unfaithful, saying the child was not his. She also claimed, “He was drunk when I left Kimberly in his care and hastily left when I returned.” After investigations and statements taken  by Supts Mohammed, Morain, Sgt Singh and Cpl Fournillier from neighbours and de Roche, the DPP ordered a charge of murder to be laid against the 32-year-old relative. Cpl Fournillier laid the charge.