ALANA Giroud Mathura, 63, who was facing charges for the murder of her daughter, Hannah Mathura, has died while in custody.
Mathura passed away on Friday at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex after feeling unwell at the Women’s Prison in Golden Grove, Arouca.
The details of her death were confirmed by police, and a post-mortem is scheduled for Monday at the Forensic Science Centre in Federation Park.
Alana and her husband, Andrew Mathura, 66, were jointly charged with their daughter’s murder, allegedly occurring between July 8, 2017, and March 13, 2024. The couple appeared before Master Sarah De Silva in the Tunapuna Court on October 16, and the case is set for further hearings in 2026.
The investigation began in March of this year when police raided the Mathuras’ Valsayn South home, suspecting illegal activities. During the raid, officers discovered Hannah’s remains buried in the backyard. A post-mortem revealed gunshot injuries to her skull, and DNA tests were conducted for identification.
Neighbours reported last seeing Hannah in 2017, when she was believed to be 18, and alleged past abuse in the household. Despite multiple calls to the police, no action was taken at the time. The Mathuras were initially arrested on March 13, but later released pending further evidence. Charges were filed against them on October 15 after an extensive investigation.
With Alana Mathura’s passing, her husband Andrew Mathura will now face the murder charge alone.
