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Bounahra Family Calls Estradabran's Conclusion Premature
posted (December 24, 2008)

Following his examination on the body of Chayben Bounahra on Tuesday Chief Pathologist Dr. Mario Estradabran told the media that while the results of samples have yet to be determined, based on the post mortem, he has no doubt that it was a suicide. That finding does not sit well with the Bounahra family. And today they let that be known in a statement they released to the media by their attorney this afternoon.

They strongly object to what they call a premature conclusion of suicide stating that all forensic samples have not been analyzed and a decision should be based on all evidence not just portions. But beyond samples, the family says that a finding of suicide must be based on intention, and in the absence of a suicide note or a clear motive, they cannot say what it is until further tests determine whether it was homicide, suicide or accident. And the family says the most important factor in that – more important than the post mortem - are other forensic tests.

Our information tells us they are talking about swabs for gunpowder residue on the hands of both Bounahra and his girlfriend Evita Bedran – who were the only two known to be in the room at the time of the shooting. But those tests are an issue. Apparently the swabs for gunpowder residue were not taken from Evita Bedran’s hands until some hours after the shooting – when she was already in Belize City.

But the family says it will do all it can to get hold of those swabs and send them abroad for further testing in labs that can detect residue taken as much as 48 hours after a shooting. Sounds like a parallel investigation, which made us ask what are all these tests for? Well, the family release says that, “these results are in no way intended for utilization in Belize, and are being done solely for the satisfaction of the family.”

And the police certainly aren’t relying on the tests. Their investigation we are told is also pointing to a suicide, but no final decision will be made until after the file is compiled and passed unto the DPP for a final decision.

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