Suspect in Maritime exec's murder moved to 'more secure' location in hospital

As homicide investigators continue enquiries into  the death of 74-year-old Maritime chairman John Henry Smith, a 41-year-old female relative who was arrested in relation to his death remained at the St Ann's Psychiatric Hospital up to Tuesday afternoon.

The woman tried to escape custody early on Monday morning but was recaptured by police at the Botanic Gardens less than an hour later.

Sources said she was moved to a "more secure area" within the hospital.

No charges have been laid against her as yet.

Police on Tuesday said Smith's children, nine and 13, who were in the house at the time of his death were being cared for by relatives and were also being interviewed by homicide investigators with assistance from the police Victim and Witness Support Unit.

Newsday tried to contact the Maritime Financial Group by phone and e-mail to determine who was the new chairman of the company but did not receive a response up to press time on Tuesday.