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ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (AP) — Antigua and Barbuda is seeking help from authorities in London to solve the killing of a member of Parliament in the Caribbean island nation who was found stabbed to death this week.
The decision was taken Wednesday by Cabinet members who also announced an official funeral for Asot Michael, 54, a boisterous and often controversial former government minister whose body was discovered at his seaside home in Antigua on Tuesday.
As a former British colony, the twin-island nation still has strong ties to Britain and in the past has requested help from London police in high-profile cases.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed any suspected motive, and no one has been arrested. It was the first time in memory that a politician has been killed in Antigua, and the case has shocked the island nation.
Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney told The Associated Press that police have questioned several people. He said the death was ruled a homicide given wounds to the body, but declied to give further details.
Michael was a businessman whose family owns a local casino and retail shops including a shoe store. He ascended through the ranks of the governing Antigua & Barbuda Party, and was well known for being a philanthropist. Most notable was his annual distribution of food, toys and, in some instances, household goods and appliances to constituents at Christmas.
