BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — A police officer in Dominica has been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Jerbiah Paul, whose decomposing body was discovered this week after an extensive search, Police Commissioner Lincoln Corbette announced during a press conference on Thursday (Aug. 13).
The officer, identified as Constable Jean Langlais, has been formally charged and remanded to the Dominica State Prison pending trial.
Commissioner Corbette described the development as a significant breakthrough in the investigation and pledged that the police would pursue justice for the teenager and her family. "We will leave no stone unturned," Corbette said. "Anyone who had any involvement in the disappearance and murder of this young child will face the full force of the law."
According to the commissioner, investigators received intelligence on Aug. 10 that led officers, along with members of the Fire and Ambulance Services, to conduct a search. The operation was suspended that evening because of fading light and resumed early the following morning.
During the search on Aug. 11, officers discovered human remains in a remote precipice. Police later determined that the remains were those of the missing teenager.
Following further investigations, Langlais was charged with murder late on Aug. 12 and appeared before a magistrate the following day, where he was remanded into custody.
Corbette said the investigation has involved assistance from local, regional and international law enforcement agencies, including the Regional Security System (RSS).
He defended the force's decision to release limited information during the investigation, explaining that investigators deliberately withheld details to protect the integrity of the case.
The commissioner noted that the accused officer had been in police custody for several days before the information became public, stressing that investigators acted methodically rather than rushing to make public announcements.
Extending condolences to Jerbiah Paul's family and the wider Dominican community, Corbette reiterated the police force's commitment to securing justice.
Police have indicated that investigations are continuing and have not ruled out further arrests.
