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TCI Residents Outraged at Coroner’s Inquest into Marie Kuhnla’s 2018 Murder

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, June 16, 2022 – “A case that even a child could see through” is how some Turks and Caicos Islanders are describing the case of Marie Kuhnla, a tourist found dead on the property of Club Med in 2018.

Kuhnla’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Club Med and a former employee of the company Frank Yacullo jr this year leading international news organizations to pick up the case again. Since then the treatment of the case has become increasingly bizarre and Islanders are taking notice.

Islanders took to social media with questions about the incident after a never before seen lab report was revealed in a late stage coroner’s inquest.

“I can’t fathom how they can even argue on this case…This is so disappointing from our Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force…” one said.

Marie was found on the Club Med property in 2018, the TCI coroner said she appeared to have been strangled, her underwear was on inside out and she had been beaten.  Now medical reports prove seminal fluid was found in the victim’s underwear.

After testimony in the issue has ended a decision will be made by the seven jurors in the case.  This decision – handed down this week – was to determine whether Marie’s death is considered a homicide or not.

The jury upheld the medical examiner’s findings that Kuhnla, 61, died due to manual strangulation.

Crime

TCI Police Report a Rape Conviction, Handfield registered as SEX OFFENDER

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Turks and Caicos, February 8, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force acknowledges the sentencing of convicted rapist ELVETHAN “ALVIN” HANDFIELD to life imprisonment following his guilty plea. Handfield was charged with the following offences: Two Counts of RAPE and Two Counts of USING AN OFFENSIVE WEAPON TO CAUSE FEAR.

The Supreme Court delivered the ruling yesterday (February 6), with Handfield, 47, of Glass Shack, Providenciales, being ineligible for parole until he has served 16 years. Should parole be granted, he will be registered as a sex offender for life.

Acting Superintendent Grantley Williams, Head of Serious Crime, Safeguarding, and Public Protection, stated: “Following an extensive investigation by our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Handfield was charged after a report made by a female victim on April 20, 2024. The victim, after entering a jitney driven by Handfield on April 19, 2024, was taken to his residence in Glass Shack, where she was subjected to sexual assault before being released the following day.

“This heinous act of violence, where Handfield posed as a jitney driver, lured, and assaulted the victim while threatening harm, is despicable. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward, demonstrating immense courage in ensuring that this predator is brought to justice.

We recognize this is a difficult journey, and our Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit officers remain available to support the healing process.

We take this opportunity to urge any victims of sexual violence to come forward. Your reports are vital in removing dangerous offenders from our streets and ensuring the safety of our communities. Our commitment to justice remains unwavering, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect and safeguard the communities.”

If you have been a victim or know anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault, please get in touch with the police without delay at the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696 or the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) at -338-4013.

All calls will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.

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Crime

Guilty Plea from Dock Yard Man arrested for Firearm, Ammo

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Turks and Caicos, February 7, 2025 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male pleaded guilty to four charges today (January 31) following a
robbery which occurred in 2024. JAMES SIMON is expected to be sentenced on April 03rd, 2025, having been convicted for the following offences:

  • One Count Possession of Firearm
  •  One Count Possession of Ammunition
  • One Count Robbery
  • One Count using a Firearm in the Commission of a Serious Offence

Based on the evidence presented before the court, Mr. Simon was arrested on May 02, 2024, along South Dock Road, where he was found with an illegal firearm.

Acting Superintendent in charge of Crime, Safeguarding and Public Protection Grantley Williams said, “Given the prevalence of firearm-related incidents, the Force has successfully removed one more illegal firearm from our streets. I applaud my officers for their vigilance and
dedication to their duty. I urge the public to assist us by reporting illegal firearms—if you have any information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Please contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, or you can also anonymously share information via the Crime Stoppers P3 app. Together, we can make the Turks and Caicos Islands safer.”

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Crime

Assault Charge

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

Turks and Caicos, February 05th, 2025 – A 50-year-old male will appear before the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court on February 17, 20225, charged with one count: SEXUAL ASSAULT.

Officers of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit charged STEPHEN LYN following a report of sexual touching by a 13-year-old female victim.

The incident allegedly occurred on September 24, 2024.

Mr. Lyn is currently on $5000. bail.

 

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