The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE death of 73-year-old retired public servant Maud McCartney, whose body was found burnt beyond recognition inside her home last week, has been classified as a homicide, police said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson yesterday said police believe the Collins Avenue home of the former Ministry of Tourism ambassador was set on fire.

Mr Ferguson said: “We started the preliminary investigation, and after analysing the evidence what we suspect is that the place was set on fire. We’re investigating jointly (with Fire Services), and we have made the determination that it is now a homicide investigation.”

“What we want to do is make an appeal to persons who might have seen anybody lurking around the residence during the day, and around that time,” he said.

Police discovered Ms McCartney’s charred remains in the living room of her home on Thursday evening, after the flames which engulfed the structure were extinguished.

Ms McCartney lived at the residence since 1965. Her death shocked many relatives who were overcome with grief as police processed the scene last week.

She was described by her brother, Charles, as a devout Christian and member of the East Street Gospel Chapel, healthy and fiercely independent.

Mr McCartney, 76, said his sister’s death was painful given his family’s efforts to convince her to move from the home.

Mr McCartney said he and his brother, George, made several attempts to convince their sister to sell the home, which had been highly sought after by doctors due to its location in the medical district.

Ms McCartney’s grandniece, a medical student on summer break, was living at the house at the time of her death, he said.

The fire was reported to police shortly after 6pm, according to Supt Stephen Dean, who said the house was engulfed in flames when fire officers arrived.

Last night, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe offered his deepest sympathy to Ms McCartney’s family on behalf of his ministry.

He said: “I did not know her personally, but I was told that she was a wonderful contributor to the country’s industry and did her part as a Bahamian ambassador in carrying the message to the world about our people and hospitality.

“The staff and myself were taken aback having learnt of the tragedy,” he added.

Anyone with information that may assist police are asked to contact 919 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) or 1-242-300-8476 in the Family Islands.