{UPDATE}
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – The police force of St. Maarten is now conducting an in-depth investigation into the case of a body that was discovered early Friday afternoon.
The body was discovered on the Arlet Peters road, known as the old cake house road, on the side over looking Cole Bay and Simpson Bay.
Police spokesman Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson confirmed the discovery of the body but stated that at this stage of the investigation they are not aware of the identity of the victim.
According to some sources the victim is a Colombian National by the alias of Pepe or Sancocho and it is believed that a burnt out car that was found on Friday in the area of Oyster Pond may be linked to the discovery of this body.
Police Spokesman Chief Inspector Ricardo Henson issued a statement on what is now being considered to be a crime against an unknown man. The press statement can be read below.
Unknown man found dead
Detectives are presently investigating a case of man found dead on the side of the Arlet Peters road; better know as the Old Cake House road. The body was found on the section of the road overlooking the Cole Bay and Simpson Bay areas.
The body was located on Friday July 1st at approximately 01.00 p.m. by persons driving by. The police was immediately informed about the situation. The scene was immediately closed off by police as detectives and the Forensic Department started to question potential witnesses and collect evidence.
The body shows signs that a crime has been committed against the victim. The identity of the victim has not yet been established. Dr. Mercuur was on the scene and pronounced the death of the victim. The body has been confiscated for further investigation.
The investigation is in its preliminary stages and much information is not available. As more information becomes available the media will be informed.
COLE BAY – On Friday afternoon, July 1, around 2:30pm, police detectives were seen on Alexis Arnell Road (Old Cake House Road) investigating a lifeless body they found in the bushes.
Sources told 721news the body was male. The body has not been identified as yet and it had gunshot wounds.
Detectives also confiscated a Kia Rio that was completely burned. The vehicle had been found in Oyster Pond, close to where the former iguana farm was located.
The vehicle was completely burned, and police suspect that the car may be linked to the dead body found.
As soon as 721news receives more details, we will update the public.
