A Chaguanas mother and retired nurse, Rosanna Smith, has been granted permission to pursue a judicial review to obtain critical details of the police investigation into the death of her only daughter, Maria Kathleen Smith, in 2021. Justice Avason Quinlan-Williams approved the request, allowing Smith to challenge the decision of Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro to withhold key information about the case. Smith is represented by attorneys Martin George and Sarah Lawrence.
Maria’s death remains shrouded in mystery. She went missing on October 15, 2021, and her body was discovered two days later in the passenger seat of a vehicle parked in a forested area at Spring Bridge, Blanchisseuse. A blanket covered her body, and a hose connected to the vehicle’s muffler was inserted through a slightly open window. Despite these unusual circumstances, the police classified the death as a suicide, though they claimed the investigation was ongoing.
Smith revealed that she had uncovered WhatsApp messages indicating a secret relationship between her daughter and a married police officer, who was also a relative. She provided this information to the authorities but received minimal updates and no substantive answers over the years. After multiple attempts, including a Freedom of Information request, Smith argued that the police failed to provide meaningful updates on interviews, evidence collection, toxicology reports, or any investigative steps taken since her daughter’s death.
Her attorneys stated that Smith remains “grieving and distraught,” facing significant emotional hardship due to the lack of closure. The situation worsened as the police refused to provide detailed information, only reiterating that investigations were ongoing and awaiting toxicology results. Smith also sought assistance from Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander, who referred her back to the police.
Justice Quinlan-Williams ordered that the claim be served on the Commissioner of Police within 14 days, with the case set to be heard on February 2, 2026.