Update: Two Men Apprehended in Estella Roberts Murder Case

Condensed from the Cayman Net News, and the Cay Compass

Thursday 30th October, 2008

Two men accused of killing Cable and Wireless communications manager Estella Scott–Roberts, appeared in Summary Court Thursday facing numerous charges including murder, abduction and robbery. One of the suspects, 27–year–old Kirkland Henry, was charged with an additional count of rape in connection with Mrs. Scott–Roberts’ murder. Kirkland Henry worked as a gardener and lived in George Town . The other murder suspect, 25–year–old Larry Prinston Ricketts, worked as a carpenter and also lived in George Town.

Solicitor General Cheryll Richards told the court that police obtained detailed statements from both men admitting to the allegations during police questioning. As well, they were both in possession of two of Mrs. Scott–Roberts’ cell phones; one found on each man. She said there was also forensic evidence connecting Kirkland Henry to the deceased. Mrs. Richards recommended that both men be remanded in custody on the charges. Mrs. Richards stressed that “these are serious charges against them", and Magistrate Margaret Ramsay–Hale agreed, stating “charges of this nature…by two foreigners, there is no doubt they are a flight risk,”.

The men were interviewed at length by police prior to Thursday’s court appearance, and neither had retained Counsel by the time of the proceeding. Both of the accused were remanded into custody and are to appear before the court again on November 6th, 2008.

Cayman's Estella Scott-Roberts Victim of Foul Play

Published on Saturday, October 11, 2008 in the Cayman Net News
The body of Estella Scott-Roberts, Cable and Wireless Corporate Communications Manager, was found in a burnt-out car today (Saturday, October 11, 2008). She had been missing since leaving friends last night at a Deckers restaurant on Seven Mile Beach. Mrs Scott-Roberts, 34, was from Cayman Brac and was the driving force behind the creation of the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, where she held the position of Executive Director for three years before joining Cable and Wireless in 2006. Well-known throughout the Cayman Islands as a strong advocate for the rights and well-being of women, she was also a staunch advocate for the empowerment of young people. Detectives have confirmed that the burned vehicle found in the Dykes is the registered vehicle of Mrs Scott-Roberts. The vehicle is a 2007, black, Ford Edge, license plate number 129-257 and detectives would like to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle after 11.30pm last night (Friday, October 10). The car has been removed from the scene for forensic examination and the remains have been taken to the morgue. A forensic pathologist from the United States is expected to arrive in Cayman tomorrow (Sunday, October 12) to carry out a post mortem on Monday. “The body in the vehicle has been very badly burned,” said Senior Investigating Officer, Chief Inspector Peter Kennett. “At this time it is not possible for us to confirm the identity of the victim.” Police are appealing for sightings of Mrs Scott-Roberts or her vehicle. She was last seen leaving Deckers restaurant on West Bay Road sometime between 11 and 11.30pm last night, however nobody saw her drive from the car park. “Somehow, Mrs Scott-Robert’s vehicle got from Deckers to the Dykes,” said Mr Kennett. “It’s vital that we trace the last movements of her and her car and appeal for anyone who may have seen her vehicle prior to it being found this morning to come forward.” Anyone who can assist should contact George Town police station on 949-4222 and ask for the Criminal Investigation Department or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477. The police investigation began this morning after Mrs Scott-Roberts was reported missing. Her cell phone was traced to the West Bay area and a search commenced. On the request of the police, officers from the Department of Environment assisted with the search of the Dykes, due to their intimate knowledge of the area, and it was one of these officers who located the vehicle and called 911. Detectives are continuing their investigations this evening and anticipate a further update for the community and the media in the morning. Further details will be reported as soon as they are known.