Police in Trinidad and Tobago said they are investigating after 56 bodies—50 of them infants—were found dumped at a cemetery in Cumuto on Saturday. The discovery comes as authorities extend a state of emergency due to surging gang violence and crime.
Remains Found
The remains included 50 infants, four men, and two women, according to a police statement. Five of the adult bodies bore toe tags typically found in morgues. One man’s and one woman’s body showed signs of autopsy. Police said they had not immediately identified any of the remains.
Investigation and Accountability
Police said they were working to determine the origin of the human remains and whether any breaches of law or procedure had occurred. The handling of human remains raises questions about institutional standards and accountability.
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro said authorities will hold responsible anyone found to have violated standards for treating remains with dignity and lawful care. “Every cadaver must be handled with dignity and lawful care,” Guevarro said in a statement. “Any individual or institution found to have violated that duty will be held fully accountable.”
Gang Violence and Emergency Response
The discovery in Cumuto, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the capital Port of Spain, occurred as the nation contends with escalating gang violence and crime. In March, authorities extended an existing state of emergency in response to the escalating violence.
The investigation continues.