Death of former Grenada senator Neilon Franklyn still under investigation

Grenada police say the death of former opposition senator Neilon Franklyn has not yet been classified as a homicide, suicide or accidental, as investigations remain ongoing.

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Assistant Commissioner of Police Vannie Curwen described the case as “very complex” while speaking at the Royal Grenada Police Force’s end-of-year press conference on Wednesday, December 24.

“I do not want to speak specifically on Neilon’s matter except to say this matter is still under investigation,” Curwen said, noting that police are receiving assistance from both local and regional laboratories. “It’s a very complex matter.”

Curwen disclosed that Christopher Nelson, Director of Public Prosecutions, is leading and directing the investigation into Franklyn’s death.

“There is no secrecy about the matter; it is professionalism,” Curwen said. “At some point, when [the DPP] feels comfortable that he has all that he needs, he will address the nation, putting that information out.”

He added that police are refraining from speculation while forensic testing and investigative work continue. “It is not proper for us to be speaking about a matter that is currently being investigated… We want to ensure that when we speak, we speak with definitive answers — the data, the results, the testing and the investigation — to back what we are saying.”

Franklyn, who was appointed an opposition senator by former Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Keith Mitchell, resigned from the Senate in September 2024 and returned to his substantive post as a customs officer.

He died last August after collapsing at his home following a night of socialising and was later pronounced dead at The General Hospital. He was laid to rest in September.

Police say a final determination on the cause of death will be made once all investigative and forensic results are received.