DNA test confirms decomposed remains belong to Reonol Williams

A DNA test has confirmed that the decomposed body that was found in a trench in the vicinity of Coldingen koker, East Coast Demerara (ECD) following an accident last year is that of construction worker, Reonol Williams.

This was confirmed by Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum who told the News Room on Wednesday, that detectives recently received the results from DNA tests that were done overseas.

Williams of Lot 5 Church Road, Enmore ECD, was reported missing in May 2022 and his family had desperately searched for him for more than two weeks.

An investigation was launched during which ranks from Criminal Investigations Department (CID) received information that Williams was involved in an accident while exiting a taxi at Enmore and his body was dumped in a trench in the vicinity of the Coldingen koker.

His decomposed body was subsequently found. However, due to the advanced state of decomposition, DNA testing was recommended.

“As a consequence, on the 19th day of September 2022, investigators took bones from the deceased. Buccal swab samples were taken from the sister and daughter of Reonol Williams for DNA testing to be conducted. These samples were tested, and the results confirmed that the aforementioned decomposed body is that of Reonol Williams,” Blanhum told the News Room.

Police had arrested taxi driver, Daniel Melbourne, however, he maintained his innocence and told the Police that he was working in the interior at the time of the accident and that it was a distant cousin who was driving the car. As such, Melbourne was released on station bail.

But as the investigation progressed, Melbourne was re-arrested and within hours, he led detectives to where Williams’ body was dumped.

Melbourne was later charged with causing the death of Williams by dangerous driving, along with several other offenses and was remanded to prison.

An autopsy had revealed that Williams died as a result of multiple injuries due to a motor vehicle accident.