Press Releases

After completing an internal review of the investigation into the death of two-year-old Cayman Brac child, Alissady Azalea Powell, that occurred on 26 July, 2022, Commissioner of Police, Derek Byrne, has approved the commission of an independent specialist team to review the case.

Mr Byrne said, “the police are aware of the public interest in this tragic case, none more so than in Cayman Brac.  At a recent community meeting I attended there, they reiterated their desire for answers in this case.  It is important we do everything we can to aid this investigation, and bringing in this specialist team is an important next step”.

The RCIPS have been fortunate to secure the services of former Detective Chief Superintendent Dr. Russell Wate QPM, who is a highly experienced child death expert.  Dr. Wate will be supported by a child forensic psychologist and a forensic pathologist, also from the UK, alongside the RCIPS team involved in investigating the case.  The family of Alissady, have been informed of the independent review and the arrival of the specialist team.

Dr. Wate will be arriving in Grand Cayman Monday 29 May to begin his review before travelling to Cayman Brac.

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Update (28 April):

The RCIPS would like to confirm that the investigation into the unexplained death of the two-year-old child in Cayman Brac, that occurred on 26 July 2022, remains open and ongoing.

Police continue in their efforts to establish all of the facts surrounding the circumstances of this tragic death.

Officers have been in dialogue with the mother and other members of the child’s family and are keeping them updated on developments.

RCIPS is aware of the mother’s commissioning of a private forensic provider, and will continually review all material and information provided to us.

As the matter is still an open file with both the Coroner’s Office and the RCIPS, no comment can be made on any findings at this time.

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Update (29 July, 2022):

Police are carrying out a full investigation into the tragic death of a two year old child, and are approaching their investigations with an open mind.  Five police investigators, supported by forensic specialists and a pathologist were sent to Cayman Brac yesterday, Wednesday 27 July, to support the local team with this case.  A multi-agency approach is being taken to ensure all avenues are explored.   

No arrests have been made, and the name of the child will not be formally released at this time in order to maintain the privacy of the family and individuals involved. We understand there is significant public interest in this case and further information will be released to the public and media when there is an update to be provided. 

Police request that if anyone has any information about this incident that they believe would assist police in their investigations, to please contact the Cayman Brac Police Station on 948 0331, or 926 0635.

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26 July 2022

At around 5:16AM this morning, Tuesday 26 July, emergency services responded to a report of a missing two year old child, in Cayman Brac, who had last been seen at 4.30AM and discovered missing at 5:10AM.

Emergency services including police, fire, and public works, along with members of the public, immediately conducted searches in the area. The police helicopter conducted aerial searches.

The Cayman Brac Fire Service vessel carried out nearby offshore searches and at around 9:30AM, they located the missing child, who was found unresponsive along the shoreline.  Emergency medical services attended the location, and a doctor from Faith Hospital pronounced the child deceased at 10:00AM.

A sudden death investigation will be carried out in relation to this incident.

The RCIPS expresses its condolences to the family of the deceased. 

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