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Metropolitan Police Launch Criminal Probe Into British Man's Death in Grenada as Family Seeks Cross-Border Cooperation
The family of Andrew Frederick, a British father who died in Grenada in January, is calling on Grenadian authorities to collaborate with UK investigators to determine the circumstances of his death. Frederick, 47, was found dead at a property in Grenada on 4 January. A privately commissioned autopsy conducted that same week concluded his death was a homicide.
However, in June, Grenada's director of public prosecution, Howard Pinnock, stated at a press conference that Frederick's case, along with another pending matter, would be referred to a coroner to establish the cause of death, saying there was no evidence in either case indicating a homicide had taken place.
Following sustained pressure from Frederick's family, British authorities became involved in the case, and his body was repatriated to the UK last month for a second autopsy. The UK coroner reported that Frederick's organs were missing upon examination, and his cause of death remains officially "unascertained."
During an inquest hearing at West London coroner's court last week, senior coroner Lydia Brown confirmed that the Metropolitan Police are now conducting a criminal investigation into Frederick's death. Attending via video link, the family described the decision to pause the inquest in favor of a police investigation as a "significant turning point."
In a statement provided to the Guardian, the family expressed relief that the Metropolitan Police investigation was underway, stating that achieving justice for Andrew would require cooperation from authorities on both sides of the Atlantic. They described Frederick as a devoted son, brother, father and grandson who left behind a young daughter.
The family reiterated their determination to uncover the truth and hoped the coroner's ruling would lead to a thorough, coordinated investigation. Earlier this year, they had also called for a review of UK policies regarding support for families of British citizens who die abroad, after being compelled to launch public appeals, hire an independent forensic pathologist, and fund a private investigation themselves.
The family noted that eight months had passed since Frederick's death, during which they faced significant challenges while seeking answers. They urged Grenadian authorities to share relevant information with the Metropolitan Police and expressed particular concern over why Frederick's organs were missing when his body was returned to the UK.
In response, Grenada's Office of the Commissioner told the Guardian that the case would proceed to the coroner's court for the parish of Saint George. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that the force is investigating Frederick's death, noting that his family is receiving support from specialist officers. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Police have also reached out to the Royal Grenada Police Force to coordinate next steps, while the coroner's inquest proceedings remain suspended pending the results of the criminal investigation.