National Security and Legal Affairs Minister Rayburn Blackmore has sought to correct public perceptions surrounding the disappearance of 8-year-old Kernisha Etienne, following comparisons between her case and the recent suspected murder of 16-year-old Jerbia Paul.
Speaking at Thursday’s press conference at Police Headquarters in Roseau, Blackmore stressed that the investigation into Kernisha’s disappearance remains open, despite the passage of several years and the lack of a confirmed discovery of her remains.
Kernisha was reported missing following an incident in Warner on June 7, 2022. According to information previously provided to investigators, Kian Alexander, then 31, allegedly entered the home of his uncle, Laurent Joseph Bruno, and attacked him with a cutlass before fleeing into nearby bush with Kernisha, who was Bruno’s adopted daughter.
Blackmore said that, following the initial investigation, he received a comprehensive report from then Commissioner of Police Daniel Carbon, whom he described as an exceptionally capable investigator. The minister said Carbon was of the view that Kernisha’s body may have been disposed of and possibly buried at an undisclosed location.
Blackmore explained that investigators did receive a lead during the search, although it ultimately appeared to have been an attempt to mislead police; however, the operation resulted in the recovery of children’s clothing.
He noted that Kernisha’s case presents challenges that differ from the Jerbia Paul investigation, including the absence of circumstances that allowed investigators to track the suspect and conduct an interrogation. Alexander was fatally shot by a member of the search party during the operation, further limiting the information available to investigators.
Nevertheless, Blackmore assured the public that the case has not been closed and said that any credible new information would prompt the Criminal Investigation Department and other relevant police units to resume efforts aimed at finally providing answers to Kernisha’s family.
