Manhunt for suspect in Siparia killing

POLICE are looking for a man who reportedly suffers from a mental illness and is believed to have been responsible for the brutal murder of grandmother of seven Angela Mc Kenzie, 64, who was chopped to death on Wednesday.

Up to this morning investigators were in Siparia questioning people and searching for clues.They were told the man, who is apparently now in hiding, often roams the streets of Siparia and environs.

An autopsy yesterday on McKenzie’s body at the Forensic Science Centre by Dr Hughvon Des Vignes showed she died on the spot after being chopped several times.

The mother of five, known as Beth, lived alone in a forested area off Quinam Road in Siparia. Her body was found on Wednesday afternoon in her front yard near the driveway. Her neck was almost severed.

A cutlass smeared with blood was found in the toilet. There were bloodstains in the house and relatives believe she fought with her killer, who might have been injured during the brutal attack. A villager who went to visit Mc Kenzie made the discovery at about 5 pm.

One of Mc Kenzie’s sisters, Natasha, told Newsday today the family is struggling to cope.

“It is really hard for us. I cannot believe she is gone.”

Mc Kenzie was described as a kind and beautiful woman and her family is hoping that justice would be served in her killing.

Mc Kenzie had confronted the man a few weeks ago when she caught him red-handed digging yams in her garden. Afterwards, he began walking near Mc Kenzie’s home brandishing a cutlass. Her relatives believe he chopped and killed her because of that confrontation.

Funeral arrangements are being made.