Remains of 50 Infants and Six Adults Found Dumped at Cumuto Cemetery; Police Launch Urgent Probe

Authorities in Trinidad and Tobago discovered the remains of 50 infants and six adults dumped at the Cumuto Cemetery, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said in a media release on Saturday, April 18. The find prompted an urgent investigation and further forensic work to establish the origin and circumstances surrounding the remains.

An open grave at Cumuto Cemetery in Trinidad and Tobago.Credit: Curtis Chase / AFP via Getty

What Officials Have Said

TTPS reported that, of the six adult remains, four were male and two were female. One male and one female bore signs consistent with a prior post-mortem examination. All adult remains except one male had identification tags, the statement said.

Sign for the Criminal Investigation Department in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago.Credit: Michael Appleton/NY Daily News Archive via Getty

Police added that 'preliminary indications suggest that this may be a case involving the unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses,' but stressed that the assessment is provisional while the probe continues.

Houses in Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tabago.Credit: Getty

Investigation Under Way

Officers from the Cumuto Police Station responded after receiving information about the site, and crime-scene investigators and forensic specialists were deployed immediately. TTPS said additional forensic analysis is ongoing to determine where the remains came from and whether any criminal conduct is involved.

'The nature of this discovery is deeply troubling, and we understand the emotional impact it will have on families and the wider national community. The TTPS is approaching this matter with urgency, sensitivity and unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth,' Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro said. He added that 'every cadaver must be handled with dignity and lawful care' and that any person or institution found to have violated that duty will be held accountable.

Context

Cumuto is about 25 miles from the capital, Port of Spain. The discovery comes amid heightened security measures: Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency in March in response to a spike in violent crime. The U.S. Embassy issued a travel advisory on April 16 citing crime concerns, a heightened risk of terrorism, and health risks in rural areas. Media reports also note the country has spent much of the past year under emergency measures.

TTPS said it will release further confirmed updates as investigations and forensic examinations progress.