Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation after 56 abandoned bodies in Trinidad and Tobago, the majority of whom were infants, were discovered at a cemetery.
- 56 total remains recovered: 50 infants, 4 adult males, and 2 adult females.
- Police suspect the “unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses.”
- The discovery occurred in Cumuto, 40km from the capital, Port of Spain.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) announced the discovery in a statement on Saturday. Officials recovered the remains of 50 infants, alongside four adult males and two adult females.
Forensic evidence indicated that at least one adult male and one adult female had undergone post-mortem examinations. All recovered adults had identification tags similar to those used in morgues.
Investigation into abandoned bodies in Trinidad and Tobago
Police officials stated that preliminary indications suggest the case involves the unlawful disposal of unclaimed corpses. Forensic analysis is currently underway to determine the origin of the remains and any associated breaches of law or procedure.
The discovery took place in the town of Cumuto, located approximately 40km (25 miles) from the capital, Port of Spain. After securing the scene, Cumuto police deployed specialized units, including homicide experts.
Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro described the nature of the discovery as “deeply troubling.” He stated that the TTPS is approaching the matter with urgency and sensitivity to uncover the truth.
“Every cadaver must be handled with dignity and lawful care,” Guevarro said. “Any individual or institution found to have violated that duty will be held fully accountable.”
The improper disposal of human remains is a criminal offense in Trinidad and Tobago. This discovery occurs as the island nation continues to struggle with an increase in organized crime.
In December 2024, Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency to combat gang violence. The House of Representatives voted to extend this state of emergency by an additional three months in March.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar reported that 373 people had been detained under the emergency proclamation. She affirmed the government’s “zero-tolerance approach to crime and criminal gangs.”
Since 2020, the nation has seen a sharp increase in homicide rates. The rate rose from approximately 20 homicides per 100,000 people in 2020 to a record high of 45.7 per 100,000 in 2024.
The homicide rate subsequently declined to approximately 27 per 100,000 people in 2025.
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