~ Decision based on 'progressive insight' ~
PHILIPSBURG--Latoya Bryson's body will be autopsied next week and a new lead detective will be assigned to the case, the deceased woman's family members reportedly have been informed by law enforcement authorities.
This latest development has come in the wake of persistent pleading and diligent investigative work on the part of the Bryson family, whose members contend that progress now is being made in the case.
Latoya, who was in her late 20s, was found dead in her home in Middle Region on November 1. She reportedly was found in the bathroom by her boyfriend.
Chief Prosecutor Hans Mos told The Daily Herald earlier this week that no autopsy was needed because, according to the police doctor, all signs pointed to accidental electrocution.
However, family members met with a prosecutor on Thursday and presented what they believe to be evidence proving that Latoya's death was not an accident.
Mos told this newspaper on Friday that based on "progressive insight" an autopsy would now be performed.
The Bryson family said in a follow-up interview that police had carried out a brief investigation on the day Latoya's body was found and had released the body to the family the same day. However, instead of taking the body to the morgue they went to the police station and began their fight for an in-depth investigation.
The family began an independent investigation and as they documented the crime scene they presented their findings to the police.
The family also hired an electrician to examine the home and the electrician concluded that for Latoya to have died from electrocution she would have had to have been holding the curling iron for about 15 minutes. This would have resulted in visible burn marks on her body. The shock also would have caused the circuit breaker to trip, but that had not happened.
The Forensics team was recalled to the scene and, according to the family, after having a second look at the scene the team had little evidence indicating that the death had been an accident.
After being granted the autopsy the family spoke with the head of the Detective Department about how the case was being handled. The family told this newspaper that in the meeting the department head had conceded that mistakes had been made and had said a new lead detective would be assigned.
Asked how the family was dealing with Latoya's death, they said they were doing their best to keep spirits high and find justice for her. The family also said Latoya's boyfriend J.F. had not contacted them since her death.
This newspaper understands that J.F. has received threats from persons who believe he is responsible for Latoya's death.
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