Police discovered the decomposing bodies of two elderly men in two separate incidents in Santa Cruz on Tuesday.
In the first incident, police were called to a house on Saut D’eau Road, La Canoa, at 9.15 am, afterresidents reported a foul stench.
Police and fire officers visited the area and on checking the home, found the body of 82-year-old Leroy James on a bed.
No marks of violence were visible on James’ body.
Neighbours reported that the last time they saw James alive was last Friday.
Hours later, at 12.30 am, police were called to Vicky Trace, La Canoa, where residents also reported a foul stench coming from a house.
On arrival, they found the body of 68-year-old Amim Pierre on a bed.
Neighbours said Pierre lived alone and was last seen alive on Sunday, when a friend went to buy cigarettes for him.
Police in the North Eastern Division have urged residents to be particularly vigilant and observant of elderly neighbours and make efforts to check on them regularly for their own safety.
One officer said the discovery of two bodies was a “particularly tragic” development for the Santa Cruz community, adding that while it was unlikely the men were murdered, he hoped more residents would take the time to show interest and care for their elderly neighbours.
“It isn’t a nice thing at all. We want our communities to be strong and we need the people in it to show care and ensure they look out for each other, especially if they know there are people with illnesses or just older folks around,” the officer said.
“It helps with crime-fighting and it’s also the neighbourly thing to do.”