Nearly 10 months after the death of a British man in Grenada, calls for government intervention have intensified amid stalled investigations and unresolved questions surrounding the circumstances of his death. Andrew Frederick, 47, was found deceased in a ransacked property on the Caribbean island on January 4, and his death has since been classified as a homicide by a pathologist.
Despite this classification, Grenadian police closed the case, stating there was “no basis ... that any homicide has occurred.” The decision contradicts the initial autopsy, which reported evidence of blunt force trauma and torture, including the removal of a toenail. The family alleges that diplomatic delays have hindered a thorough and timely investigation.
Charity workers supporting Frederick’s family, including those from the organization Murdered Abroad, have urged the UK government’s foreign affairs select committee to intervene and press for progress. Eve Henderson, founder of the charity, highlighted the family's frustration with what she described as continued obfuscation from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Henderson emphasized that if a determined family struggles to gain diplomatic support, it raises concerns for hundreds of other families of British nationals killed abroad each year.
David Johnston, a former Scotland Yard homicide commander advising the family, criticized Grenadian authorities for disregarding the autopsy findings. He pointed out that the pathologist’s report clearly indicated homicide and signs of torture, yet the police dismissed this evidence as inconsistent with their narrative. Johnston also stressed the importance of timely forensic work, noting that delays and mishandling at the crime scene could significantly undermine efforts to gather crucial evidence.
Andrew Frederick’s body was repatriated to the United Kingdom in August following sustained pressure from British authorities. During a second autopsy conducted there, his family discovered that several organs, including the brain, heart, and lungs, were missing, in addition to parts of his neck. The family described this revelation as “shocking and devastating,” and expressed deep frustration at the lack of explanation from Grenadian officials regarding the missing organs.
A recent development saw a UK coroner request that the Metropolitan Police investigate the case further. Following this, British officials reportedly submitted a formal request to Grenadian authorities for cooperation in the investigation. The family stated that Grenada has yet to approve this request despite a verbal commitment made to the British high commissioner.
The FCDO said it is supporting Frederick’s family and remains in contact with Grenadian authorities, but specifics on progress have not been made public. Attempts to obtain comment from the Royal Grenada Police Force have not been successful.
Frederick’s family has appealed directly to Grenada’s prime minister, who holds the portfolio of national security, to expedite the approval process and facilitate a transparent and comprehensive inquiry. They described their ongoing ordeal as a painful search for closure amid unanswered questions and emphasized the urgent need for cooperation to seek justice.