Commissioner of Police Says Meeting with Anisha Young’s Family Pending
Anisha Young
The family of Anisha Young is yet to receive closure. The family received more devastating news when they were told by officials that DNA test results conducted were inconclusive. The family through spokesperson Jose Espat called on the police department to release the chain of custody of the DNA results so that they can have it tested at a private institution. Espat explained that the family request is based on the understanding that the medical institute used by the Police Department is not accredited by the World Health Organization. Police Commissioner Chester Williams spoke about the family’s request.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“We try to meet last week but the family members were occupied and so that meeting did not occur. So I intend to meet with them hopefully this week or early next week.”
Reporter
“Is the police department amenable to providing the chain of custody that they are requesting.”
Chester Williams
“It is something that we need to discuss with the family and see what the doctors at the lab want to be done. Please understand we are not the persons who control or retain custody of exhibits anymore, especially forensic evidence. That is done by National Forensic Service so it is something that we have to discuss alongside National Forensic Service.”
Reporter
“There is an allegation that was not aired in relation to DNA testing made by the spokesperson for the family, claiming that the DNA result gotten from the lab in Jamaica are not acceptable in a court as evidence. Any truth to that?”
Chester Williams
“That is not true. Our courts, not only in Belize but even in the Caribbean have accepted DNA results from Jamaica, Cayman and other Caribbean islands. So that is a bit of misinformation.”
Hipolito Novelo
“Dr. Espat mentioned that is it not WHO certified.”
Chester Williams
“It may not be but that does not mean that our courts are not going to accept it. Our courts are not courts for WHO. That is a separate entity.”
