A post-mortem examination has revealed that 13-year-old Christiana High School student, Shantina Sergeant, died from blunt-force trauma, as investigators continue to piece together evidence to determine who will be charged with her murder.
The charred remains, believed to be Shantina’s, were discovered a week ago beneath a sheet of zinc and beside a burnt-out refrigerator at her family home in Baillieston, Clarendon.
A senior police source confirmed that the teen’s father, Lawrence Sergeant, was questioned in the presence of his attorney on Monday.
“We are still awaiting certain investigative processes because we are dealing with charred remains. The post-mortem was completed, and it revealed blunt-force trauma,” the source said.
As part of the ongoing probe, DNA samples were taken from Lawrence Sergeant and another relative to confirm the identity of the remains.
“We just want to confirm all of that before we make an official identification, even though at this stage, we have little doubt,” the source added.
Lawrence Sergeant was arrested last Friday in Old Harbour, St. Catherine, four days after the remains believed to be his daughter’s were discovered behind their home.
Police investigators continue to pursue forensic and circumstantial evidence as they work toward finalizing charges in the case.
