The family of a British father who was found dead in the Caribbean in January is urging authorities in Grenada to work with UK police to uncover the truth about his death.
Andrew Frederick’s body was found in the property he was staying at in Grenada on ۴ January. An autopsy, performed in the same week by a privately hired pathologist, concluded that the ۴۷-year-old’s death was a homicide.
In June, Grenada’s director of public prosecution, Howard Pinnock, said at a press conference that Frederick’s and another pending case would be sent to the coroner to determine the cause of death “because there is no basis in terms of both investigations that any homicide has occurred”.
After a sustained campaign by the family, British authorities became involved and Frederick’s body was repatriated to the UK last month, where a second autopsy was carried out.
The UK coroner has noted that Frederick’s organs are missing and the death is currently “unascertained”.
At the start of an inquest at West London coroner’s court last week, senior coroner Lydia Brown said the Metropolitan police are now investigating Frederick’s death.
The family, who attended the court hearing by video link, said the coroner’s “decision to suspend Andrew’s inquest to allow the Metropolitan police to conduct a criminal investigation marks a significant turning point”.
In statement to the Guardian, they urged Grenada and the UK to work together to find out what happened to Frederick.
“We are encouraged and grateful that the Metropolitan police investigation is now under way. Justice for Andrew depends on everyone with the power to act, on both sides of the Atlantic, doing what is right,” the statement said.
It added: “Andrew was a deeply loved member of a close-knit family; a son, brother, father and grandson. He leaves behind his cherished daughter, who should be growing up with him beside her, not learning to live without him.
“Our family remain determined to uncover the truth about what happened to Andrew and to see justice follow. We hope this ruling is the step that finally enables a complete, properly coordinated investigation and that everyone who can assist will now do so.”
Earlier this year, the family had called for an urgent review of the policies governing UK assistance to the loved ones of Britons killed abroad, after they were forced to launch their own public appeals for information, and commission an independent forensic pathologist and a private investigation.
“Eight months have passed since Andrew was taken from us. In that time, we have learned what no family should ever have to learn, and fought battles no family should ever face alone,” their statement said.
It added: “We have relentlessly sought answers and support while carrying the weight of Andrew’s loss and the horror of what was done to him. We still do not have a complete account of what happened, and important questions remain unanswered.
“We hope the Grenadian authorities with knowledge of the case will now share that information and work collaboratively with the Metropolitan police, allowing the investigation to proceed without further delay. We are also seeking urgent answers as to why Andrew’s organs were absent when his body was returned to the UK for further examination.”
In Grenada, the Office of the Commissioner told the Guardian that “the matter will be progressing to the coroner’s court for the parish of Saint George”.
A Met spokesperson said: “The Met is investigating the death of ۴۷-year-old Andrew Donald Frederick, who died in Grenada on ۴ January.
“Mr Frederick’s family are being supported by specialist officers.
“No arrests have been made at this stage and inquiries are ongoing.”
Officers have contacted the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) to offer assistance and discuss how the investigation can be progressed.
Inquest proceedings have been suspended pending the outcome of police investigations.
