Former Magistrate Chandan-Edmond MP calls for PME release and Coroner’s Inquest into Niewenkirk death

Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, Ms. Geeta Chandan-Edmond, is calling for the release of the Post Mortem Examination (PME) Report and a Coroners Inquest into the death of 19-year-old Melinda Niewenkirk, who reportedly committed suicide. Persons have expressed disbelief that the teen died by suicide while others have called for an investigation to determine whether this is so.

Police Commander of Regional Division 4C, Krishnadat Ramana told another media house a PME was conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, and it was found the teen died from a compression injury consistent with hanging, and there was no mark of violence on her body. The family has hinted they may likely pursue a private PME, expressing the view foul play may have contributed to the teen’s death.

The Member of Parliament (MP) is among those who are raising questions. She said she has noted the reports of the results of PME conducted on Niewenkirk and there is no scientific information available to her that could contradict those results.

Dead: Malinda Niewenkirk (Newsroom photo)

“However, considering the current wanton lack of trust in the Guyana Police Force and the circumstantial evidence which is in the public domain, the nation would be well served if there is the release of the PME Report and the commencement of a Coroners Inquest as provided for in the Coroners Act.”

Chandan-Edmond, a former magistrate, said the inquest should be conducted by the district magistrate as coroner. Pointing out the power under the Act, the MP noted under the act the magistrate is empowered to summon reputable residents of Melinda’s neighbourhood to act as jurors during the inquest, and to subpoena witnesses and hear pertinent evidence.

“An Inquest would inform not only the circumstances immediately prior to, during and immediately after the death, but will also inform whether or not a crime was committed to be prosecuted upon.” The findings from this inquest should also be made public, she said.

The utilisation of the above approaches, the MP contended, could restore some semblance of credibility in the Guyana Police Force which is currently experiencing its worst credibility crisis.

The MP’s full statement follows:

STATEMENT ON Post Mortem Examination OF MElINDA NIEWENKIRK

I have noted the reports of the results of post-mortem examination conducted on Melinda Niewenkirk. There is no scientific information available to me that could contradict those results. However, considering the current wanton lack of trust in the Guyana Police Force and the circumstantial evidence which is in the public domain, the nation would be well served if there is the release of the PME Report and the commencement of a Coroners Inquest as provided for in the Coroners Act.

The Inquest should be conducted by the district magistrate as coroner. The coroner is empowered to summon reputable residents of the Melinda’s neighbourhood to act as jurors during the inquest, and to subpoena witnesses and hear pertinent evidence. The findings should be made public. An Inquest would inform not only the circumstances immediately prior to, during and immediately after the death ,but will also inform whether or not a crime was committed to be prosecuted upon. This can restore some semblance of credibility in the Guyana Police Force which is currently experiencing its worst credibility crisis.

 Ms Geeta Chandan -Edmond

APNU +AFC Member of Parliament

 Attorney -at-Law