50 Infants Among 56 Bodies Found Illegally Dumped In Mass Grave At Cumuto Cemetery — 2 Men In Custody
Dozens of bodies, including fifty (50) infants, have been found illegally dumped in a mass grave at the Cumuto Cemetery on Saturday morning (18th April, 2026), in what is being described as a major breach of protocol and public trust.
According to reports, Police Officers uncovered a total of fifty-six (56) human remains at the cemetery, comprising fifty (50) infants, four (4) adult males and two (2) adult females. Authorities say many of the adult bodies were found with identification tags still attached, while at least two (2) showed signs of prior post-mortem examinations. The grave reportedly measured six (6) feet by three (3) feet.
Investigators believe the bodies were being buried in a single pit when Police were alerted to suspicious activity at the site. The shocking incident began unfolding around 10:10 am, when a gardener living close to the cemetery was out testing his air rifle and observed two (2) suspects digging a grave. The men, aged eighteen (18) and twenty-five (25), both of Bye-Pass Road, Arima, were detained in connection with the incident, halting the burial. Officers secured the scene as forensic teams began processing the area.
The suspects allegedly told Police they were off-duty employees of K. Allen’s and Sons Funeral Home in Arima, and undertook a “side hustle” to dispose of multiple bodies, outside of established legal procedures — and without the knowledge or authorization of the funeral home.
While being questioned, the suspects revealed they had been instructed by their employer to dig a grave for a pauper’s funeral — which is a Government-funded burial or cremation for individuals who cannot afford a traditional funeral. Complying with the instruction, the suspects reportedly told Police they had disposed of several bodies, inclusive of infants.
However, the Management of Allen’s Funeral Home has issued a strong denial, stating that the individuals seen engaging in the burial and disposal of bodies “are not employed by or acting on behalf of the company in any way.” The funeral home stressed that it has “no connection whatsoever to this matter” and “accepts no responsibility or liability for their actions.”
Authorities are also examining the role of T&T Funeral Services Co-operative Society (Friendly Society), which has been identified as a key entity in the investigation. Police sources indicate the organization may have had an arrangement with the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) to collect and dispose of unclaimed bodies after a specified period, including infants in cases where consent was granted.
However, investigators are now probing whether established legal procedures were bypassed, particularly in light of claims that the detained men may have acted independently and outside of authorized channels.
The caretaker at the cemetery, identified only as “Carl,” allegedly had no knowledge of the illegal mass burial taking place. Speaking with the Sunday Guardian, Carl said this was not the first time that he had seen the suspects at the cemetery — having seen them on at least three (3) separate occasions in the past several months.
“Last two (2) weeks, I think these same fellas say they bury...and I met them here digging a hole to bury a lady from Lil Caura. But this morning when them two (2) fellas was here still, them is the two (2) that came here...and they say this is not the first time they do this here.”
He expressed concern that the activities were illegal, and agreed it was disrespectful and not in keeping with the principles of human dignity.
The caretaker called on the authorities responsible for the cemetery to install a new gate, as the current one is broken, leaving the cemetery open and accessible to all.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Allister Guevarro, has ordered a high-level investigation into the matter, describing the discovery as deeply troubling and assuring that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is committed to uncovering the full truth.
He stressed that all human remains must be treated with dignity and handled in accordance with the law, warning that any individual or institution found to have breached those standards will be held fully accountable.
Specialized units, including the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI) and Officers of the Northern North Division, are leading the investigation under senior supervision.
Among those who visited and processed the scene were Superintendent McKenzie, ASP Balewa, Woman Inspector Cedeno-Figaro, Sgt. Forgine, Sgt Ramoutar, Corporal Andrews, Constable Jack, and WPCs Arthur and Augustus.
The incident has triggered widespread public outrage and intensified scrutiny over the systems governing the handling and disposal of human remains in Trinidad and Tobago.
Police are continuing investigations as they work to determine the full chain of responsibility and whether charges of unlawful disposal of bodies will be laid.
More on this as it becomes available.
[Sources: Ian Alleyne | T&T Guardian]
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