By Samantha Simon
Human remains were yesterday uncovered by members of the search party looking for missing autistic teen Shamar Harrigan.
Local NGO the Blue Dragonfly Foundation organised a search for Shamar on Monday, alongside the police and their K9 Unit, family members, and other organisations, during which the 19-year-old’s clothes, shoes and backpack were also discovered.
Shamar’s personal effects were found at approximately 11.45 am within thick brush south of the salt pond in Willikies and search efforts were consolidated to the surrounding area.
This area had not yet been thoroughly searched due to heavy rain forcing previous attempts to be abandoned.
The human remains were found within 400 yards of the clothing and there were signs of possible disturbance by scavenging wild animals.
Family and search party members were inconsolable after police cordoned off the area to await assistance from forensic officers.
Some members of the community expressed dissatisfaction with police efforts to find the missing teen up to this point.
Hope still remains among some members of the family that DNA testing may reveal that the remains are not Shamar’s, whilst others hope that they may bring closure after 22 days of searching.
Police last night issued a statement saying the remains had been taken to Straffies Funeral Home.
The Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney commended the public for their help in searching for the teen.
“Mr Rodney is also appealing to the public to continue supporting the family at this time, as the investigation is ongoing to determine the identity of the body,” the statement said.
“He is also asking the family and the general public to exercise patience until the conclusion of the investigation,” it added.