News
Commissioner of Police Responds to Media Reports on Marie Kuhnla Inquest
#TurksandCaicos, June 15, 2022 – “At the outset, the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands were shocked and saddened that Mrs. Kuhnla, a wife, mother and attorney for vulnerable people came here for her holidays but did not return home. The Jury at her Inquest have returned a verdict of homicide by manual strangulation. This Inquest spanned seven days of evidence and the Jury deliberated for more than seven hours, over two days and everyone involved in this case, Mrs. Kuhnla’s loved ones, and the general public owe them a great debt for their service and dedication to their task.
“Unfortunately, there has been much inaccuracy and untrue sensationalism reported in the media, particularly in other jurisdictions in regards to this inquest. It would not have been appropriate for public officials, like His Excellency, Governor Nigel Dakin, the Honourable Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles QC and
myself to comment on the many erroneous and misleading facts published in the international press while the matter was before HM Coroner Jolyon Hatmin and the Jury, who were tasked to return a verdict on how Mrs. Kuhnla passed.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, as in the United Kingdom, commenting on proceedings that are before the Court is not permitted as it can prejudice those proceedings. However, it is now fair to comment, as those proceedings are at an end and it is appropriate to do so.
“One inaccuracy repeatedly reported is that this inquest is a “review” of a previous finding. That is simply not the case. This is the first and only inquest into the death of Mrs. Kuhnla. After the Ministry of Health Pathologist, Dr. Michael Robert Steckbauer determined that the cause of death was “manual strangulation” on the 25th of October 2018, a murder investigation was immediately launched by senior members of the R&TCIPF. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, as in the United Kingdom, it is customary and best practice for an inquest to be held either at the conclusion of a murder investigation, or where an investigation has exhausted all the avenues of inquiry or any related criminal court proceedings have concluded. Otherwise, any police investigation or a fair criminal trial is in danger of being compromised by a premature inquest, thereby potentially denying justice for the deceased and their loved ones. In the wake of the gradual lifting of restrictions surrounding protective measures to combat the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, jury trials resumed in earnest in the Turks and Caicos Islands in March this year and this inquest was scheduled almost immediately thereafter.
“The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have always maintained an open mind as to the circumstances of the passing of Mrs. Kuhnla and given the views of the pathologist, a murder investigation was initiated and pursued with vigor.
Forensic analysis of evidence was sought and biological samples, were analyzed by an independent American forensic analysis laboratory. Statements were taken from tens of potential witnesses, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation were used as a liaison and cross jurisdiction Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty provisions were utilized to assist in the investigation, two sets of interviews were conducted in the United States with potential witnesses and officers travelled to the US to communicate with the family of Mrs. Kuhnla.
“The Jury heard evidence that Mrs. Kuhnla arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands on 10th of October, 2018 with her friends for a week-long holiday in a local resort. Immediately, her friends were concerned that another guest had attached himself to her and was plying her with large amounts of alcohol.
Evidence suggests that this man was a nuisance, her friends did not like this man and one accused him of indecent assault as he had touched her posterior in the resort pool. The same friend gave evidence that she had never seen Mrs. Kuhnla intoxicated before this holiday and was surprised that she was uncharacteristically inebriated at times, this was corroborated by other guests.
“The Coroner and Jury further heard evidence that Mrs. Kuhnla was not usually a drinker as she suffered from a seizure disorder and other medical conditions. Indeed, her toxicology analysis post mortem revealed that were prescription drugs in her blood prescribed for that seizure disorder, bi-polar disorder, depression and insomnia. The Inquest heard evidence from her friends that she had suffered a number of falls during her holiday that they had once again attributed to her uncharacteristic drinking. One of her friends remarked to the RTCIPF that she had bruising on her leg the last day she had seen her on the 14th of October, 2018. Another guest who met Mrs. Kuhnla close on his arrival at 2:30 pm, again on the 14th of October, 2018 gave evidence that she was “very slurred in her speech ‘and it was “indiscernible” what she was trying to say.
“The Coroner and Jury heard that her friends last saw Mrs. Kuhnla on the evening of the 14th of October, 2018 at around 7 pm. On the 15th of October, by the afternoon, her friends became very concerned that they had not seen her since the night before. They began to search the resort as they feared that she was unconscious on the property due to her seizure disorder and the fact that she had been, again unusually for her, drinking heavily. The RT&CIPF were alerted and arrived at about 7 pm that evening due to those concerns, they examined her room and the room of the acquaintance so disliked by her friends, but nothing was out of place and they left. She had been missing less than 24 hours at that time. Early on the 16th of October, 2018, one of Mrs. Kuhnla’ s travel companions and a fellow guest discovered her body in the bush near the resort’s soccer pitch.
“As Dr. Steckbauer reported, she was found in bush with her face in a downward position, with debris in her mouth, upper airway, her clothing was askew, and the back of her blouse/beach wrap torn. He conducted the autopsy on the 19th of October, but as he attested, he was unable to ascertain all of the elements that could be associated with manual strangulation as the body was more decomposed than would have provided for an optimum autopsy. In his report dated the 28th of October, 2018, Dr. Steckbauer concluded that due to hemorrhaging of the strap muscles, dirt and debris in the mouth, bruises on the legs, abrasions of the legs and arms, a fractured rib, the manner in which she was found, her torn clothing and the crime scene photos, that Mrs. Kuhnla had died by manual strangulation.
“During the course of the inquest, he did concede that he did not have knowledge of her seizure disorder, the medications found in her toxicology, her uncharacteristic drinking and her falls earlier in the week when he came to that conclusion however, when questioned he asserted that now knowing these factors, none of them would change his finding.
“This statement cannot deal with all the inaccuracies and unsubstantiated comments made in relation to the sensationalist reporting of these proceedings, it could fill pages and pages. The people of the Turks and Caicos
Islands do not deserve the slant quite bluntly stated in the reporting of this matter. It has been alleged in the American media that the justice system of in these Islands would conspire with a tourist resort to cover up the alleged sexual assault and murder of an innocent woman to prevent adverse publicity. This is as preposterous as it is insulting and offensive.
The motivation for such a contention may be considered in future proceedings and will not be commented on here, all that will be said for now is that this Coroner and Jury have demonstrated through their hard work, attention and consideration in hearing this Inquest and reaching their verdict, that prejudicial innuendo cannot replace facts.
“Mrs. Khulna’s death was investigated by an experienced detective, Assistant Superintendent Williams, a senior officer in CID in the RT&CIPF of some 27 years’ experience. The role of the investigator is a ‘search for the truth and this is achieved by maintaining an open mind as to the circumstances of a person’s death and how they came about their passing. It was for this reason that ASP Williams offered potential alternatives as to how Mrs. Kuhnla met her death band these were explored during the Inquest for the jury to consider. At the conclusion of the inquest, they decided that Mrs. Kuhnla was unlawfully killed and that judgement is accepted by the RTCIPF.
“Whilst no one has been charged in connection with the death of Mrs. Kuhnla, no investigation is ever closed and if any further lines of enquiry are identified, then they will be followed up vigorously. As a matter of course, we will consider if any new information has come about as result of the inquest.
“The last three and half years must have been very difficult for the family of Mrs. Kuhnla and I am certain the last week during which time the Coronal inquest was held would have been hard to bare for the family and friends of Mrs. Kuhnla.
“As with any legal process, we must not forget the human side of this tragedy and I speak on behalf of the TCIG Government, the RTCIPF and the entire Turks and Caicos Islands when I pass on our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Kuhnla.
Bahamas News
Federal Investigation into Florida Turnpike Tragedy that Killed Three Children of Bahamian Mother
NTSB examining roadside assistance driver’s actions, SUV speed and seat belt use after six people perish in fiery collision
ORLANDO, FLORIDA — October 29, 2026 — Federal investigators have joined the investigation into a horrific Florida Turnpike collision that claimed six lives, including all three children of a Bahamian mother, as questions intensify over what caused the deadly crash.
The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed that it is opening an investigation into the October 23 accident, which occurred around 9:31 p.m. near mile marker 252 in Orange County.
The agency’s involvement brings federal scrutiny to a tragedy that has devastated several families and prompted an extraordinary
outpouring of sympathy and disbelief.
Among those killed were siblings Charles Milton, Jakara Milton and Dalvena Green, the three adult children of Marshall Clarke-Milton and her husband, Charles Milton Sr.
The siblings were traveling with three others to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights, reportedly on their first trip together.
They never arrived.
FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS EXAMINE WHAT WENT WRONG
The NTSB confirmed to FOX 35 Orlando that its investigation will examine the training and performance of the roadside assistance driver, the actions of the SUV driver, including speed, and whether the occupants were wearing seat belts.
The agency investigates serious transportation accidents to identify safety failures and recommend measures that could prevent similar tragedies.
Its involvement does not establish wrongdoing by either driver.
The Florida Highway Patrol is conducting a separate investigation into the collision.
According to the preliminary police account, a Road Ranger roadside assistance truck had been parked in the highway median before its driver received instructions to assist a disabled box truck on the opposite shoulder.
As the Road Ranger moved across the northbound lanes, it collided with a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse carrying six adults.
Both vehicles left the roadway and caught fire.
All six occupants of the SUV died at the scene. The Road Ranger driver survived with minor injuries.
MOTHER CHALLENGES EARLY ACCOUNT
Witnesses reportedly told investigators that the SUV was traveling at high speed without its headlights illuminated.
However, those observations have not been established as the definitive cause of the collision.
Clarke-Milton has challenged suggestions that her children or their companions were responsible, urging investigators to examine the evidence before reaching conclusions.
She wants investigators to establish the SUV’s actual speed and determine whether its headlights were operating.
The family’s concerns underscore the importance of the continuing investigations, particularly given the movement of the roadside assistance vehicle across active highway lanes.
ALL THREE CHILDREN LOST
For Clarke-Milton, the investigation unfolds against an almost incomprehensible personal tragedy.
She lost all three of her children simultaneously.
In an emotional interview with FOX 35 Orlando, the grieving mother described the terrible feeling that overcame her when she could not reach them.
“My heart sank,” she said, recalling the moment she feared her children were involved.
The siblings were among six people whose lives ended during what should have been an enjoyable evening together.
The other victims included Timothy Williams and Shawn Palmer. A sixth person’s identity had not been publicly confirmed in the latest reports reviewed.
The family’s heartbreak has resonated across The Bahamas and beyond, with expressions of sympathy accompanying calls for answers.
SEARCH FOR ANSWERS CONTINUES
The Florida Highway Patrol has indicated that a crash report is expected within approximately ten days of the accident.
The NTSB’s investigation will examine broader transportation safety concerns, including the operation of roadside assistance vehicles and the circumstances surrounding the collision.
For the grieving families, the findings cannot reverse the tragedy.
But they may establish what happened on that stretch of Florida’s Turnpike and whether anything could have prevented six people from losing their lives.
For one Bahamian mother, the loss is especially devastating.
Three children left for an evening of entertainment. Not one came home.
News
Joyful Collaboration between 2 Regional Foundations Uplifts Tourism Professionals in Turks & Caicos
Turks and Caicos – Caribbean Supercharged Service, Learning & Leadership workshops were enjoyed by professionals from Grace Bay Car Rentals, a local
sponsor, alongside a Heavy Machinery Rental Company, a Paint retailer, 8 resorts, a luxury villa management enterprise and 3 TCHTA sponsored junior chefs, including Team TCI Junior Chef 2026, Zaliya Dickenson, who will complete at the Taste of the Caribbean in November for her country.
These workshops were the result of the longstanding partnership between the CHTA Education Foundation and their sponsor, Sandals Foundation, who support the Caribbean Supercharged programme on a different island every year. This year, the Turks & Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association (TCHTA) hosted the initiative to the delight of its members.
The workshops targeted new team members, seasoned professionals, managers and supervisors. Topics included Foundations & Finesse within Customer Interactions, Delivering Clear Expectations for Service Consistency and Making Memorable Moments.
Sandals Foundation was pleased to also sponsor chefs, cooks, stewards, warehouse & purchasing staff from 7 resorts and 2 high schools for an intensive HACCP Preparation & Pre-Requisites informational day, including international coursebooks, team training booklets and each person’s international assessment fee. The course is approved by the Royal Society for Public Health UK, earns Continuing Professional Development Credits, and is recognized globally as the leading Food Safety Management System.
Deryk Meany, General Manager, Beaches TCI, represented Heidi Clarke, Executive Director, Sandals Foundation at the 20 October
Celebration with energy and passion for professional development and life-long learning in tourism to ever uplift and grow ourselves. He asked participants to ‘never stop learning! Today is a step upwards in your personal growth and that of the industry. We are never too old to learn, to share our experiences within training and grow”
Wesley Clerveau, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, gave spirited, positive inspiration and congratulations to the participants “Stayover arrivals in TCI have increased by 6% between January & June this year, we are hot! The place visitors wish to be, and your time, application and learning in each workshop is invaluable to us as a destination and to you as citizens and residents. I urge you to put what you have gained into practice immediately and keep applying yourselves; the more you upgrade, the more service elevates, the more we all succeed”
Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chairwoman, CHTA Education Foundation commented “Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s
workshops, thank you for being fully engaged and making the most of your opportunity.
Special mention to the 8 past participants that we reunited with and are now working in leadership positions, BRAVO! We are delighted for you and encourage you to stay focused and keep shining and growing upwards.
It has been the Education Foundations honor to work closely with our sponsor Sandals Foundation and partner with TCHTA again to create Caribbean Supercharged positivity within each of you”.
Stacey-Ann Wharton, Vice President TCHTA, congratulated everyone present and stressed the TCHTA ongoing commitment to learning and development of members teams and management, along with special TCHTA scholarships for the HACCP session for 3 Junior Chefs, showing the Associations commitment to nurturing talent from High School upwards.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
First Insert: Wesley Clerveau, PS, Ministry of Tourism
Second Insert: Deryck Meany, GM Beaches TCI representing Sandals Foundation
Third Insert: Stacy-Ann Wharton, Vice President, TCHTA
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorised use of Crown land.
The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force. Security for
the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land throughout Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorised use had been identified.
During the exercise, a total of forty (40) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorised Occupation were served in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to various forms of unauthorised occupation and use of Crown land, including incomplete structures, shipping containers, derelict vehicles, trailer chassis, building materials and other items.
Where persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items. The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that identified instances of unauthorised occupation are appropriately addressed.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that Crown land must not be occupied, developed or otherwise used without lawful authority.
The Crown Land Unit, supported by the ISU and its other partner agencies, will continue to identify and address instances of illegal occupation of Crown land across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Persons affected by notices issued during enforcement exercises are encouraged to comply with the requirements outlined and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.
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