Funeral of murdered Preysal teacher on Friday

The funeral of slain Preysal teacher Suzette Sylvester, 48, is scheduled for Friday at her home at Preysal in Couva.

The suspect, a close male relative, also 48, remained in police custody.

Police were preparing a file on Thursday to send to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for instructions. The suspect works as a loans officer at Republic Bank’s Valsayn branch.

A relative told Newsday Sylvester’s body is expected to be at the house from 9.30 am, followed by cremation at Belgroves Funeral Home on Coffee Street, San Fernando.

The mother of two was bludgeoned to death with a hammer before dawn on Monday at her home at Mowlah Trace Extension.

An autopsy on Wednesday confirmed she died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Sylvester began teaching English and English literature at Preysal Secondary School in 2016, after teaching at the El Dorado West Secondary School for 15 years.

Relatives reported to police that the two had a heated argument a few hours before they found the body.

On Wednesday, Sylvester’s 25-year-old daughter told Newsday that she forgave the suspect, adding the family was trying to focus "on the good things." She referred to both the victim and suspect as role models.

Tributes continue to pour in on social media for Sylvester.

On Wednesday evening, the official Facebook page of El Dorado West Secondary School posted a tribute saying it was from the school’s principal, Anne Marie Persadsingh.

It referred to Sylvester as a most beloved teacher, a live wire and a sparkling light in the life of the school and her students.

"She emulated the remarkable qualities of a well-disciplined and dedicated educator.

Suzette possessed an innate maternal, loving, and kind demeanour which made students cling to her like a magnet," it said.

"Whenever she walked the corridors, there was sure to be a crowd of students pursuing her for just that last gesture of smile or assurance."

The post said Sylvester would forever be remembered as a champion educator who was excellent in the classroom and a wonderful human being, who left a tremendous mark on those who interacted with her.