Professor Hubert Daisley Identified the Anti-Freeze that Caused the Death of Neilon Franklyn
Ethylene glycol.
That is the substance that was found by renowned regional Pathologist Professor Hubert Daisley in the body of late opposition Senator Neilon Franklyn who died at the General Hospital on August 24 amidst national outpouring of grief and sorrow.
Well-placed sources told THE NEW TODAY that the Trinidad-based Daisley submitted his findings several weeks ago and a copy was made available to the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) to open a possible murder investigation into the Franklyn case.
Ethylene glycol is a toxic that has been described as a sweet-tasting liquid primarily used as an automotive antifreeze and coolant.
It is also a component in hydraulic fluids, inks, and as a raw material for making polyesters and other resins.
A search of the internet indicated that the substance, while useful in industrial applications, “it is highly poisonous if ingested by humans or animals and can cause serious health issues, including kidney failure.”
The initial autopsy done by Professor Daisley only reached a preliminary conclusion that Franklyn died from anti-freeze poisoning.
However, due to the lack of facilities on the island, Professor Daisley took samples from the body to a Laboratory in Port-of-Spain to determine the exact substance that was used to cause the death of the young Customs Officer.
According to a source who reached the rank of Superintendent of Police in RGPF, after Daisley handed in his finding, the Police requested him not to divulge it to anyone based on “certain investigation they were carrying out” into the death of the ex-Senator.
He said the death of the ex-public officer calls for “real police investigation” to get at the bottom of the matter.
He pointed out that the police investigators assigned to the case will first need to find out who is importing the substance in the country and whether that type of anti-freeze is common in Grenada.
“If somebody is bringing it (Ethylene Gycol) in which machinery, instrument or equipment is using that type of anti-freeze? Was he (Franklyn) exposed to that?
“If it is common how somebody could get it? If it is not common it is easier for you (an investigator). But if it is common you have to break down – (look at) his friends who will be in close proximity to it – the suspects.”
“From Day One I said that is a case that is going to create problems – you have to make sure that you solve that case because (of) the rumour-machinery around that case saying NNP, saying NDC (killed him), saying it is political – you have to eliminate that. “
“I don’t believe it is political – I believe it is something else. All you have to do is go by all the people bringing in anti-freeze.”
Asked if Franklyn could have consumed Ethylene glycol himself, the retired police investigator said: “I don’t know – all I know is the man was in a fete and he was drinking and the next day his foot start swelling up.”
Sources told THE NEW TODAY that when the ex-Senator was brought to the hospital there were already signs that some of his vital organs were failing.
The retired police Superintendent pointed out that a proper probe into the death of Franklyn would also help the police find out “if those drinks (consumed by Franklyn) were pirated drinks” made in places like some countries in the Far-east.
“Could that have been one of them? All those things you have to look at. What drink he was drinking – I know it has pirate drinks like that but did it come into Grenada? Did they take it in drinks that they (seize from) them people (importing) drinks on the port? All these things you have to look at. Those are the questions that have to be asked.
According to the retired ace crime fighter, the investigating CID team needs to pay particular attention to “the friends, and associates” of Franklyn and find out “whether these people have the contacts and wherewithal (to get that material or chemical.”
He wondered whether the Police investigators are looking in that direction and have already checked out those things as part of their probe into the Franklyn case.
He said the police must develop a “step-by-step plan” as part of their investigation “to see who it will synchronise with and if you don’t do that you ain’t investigating.”
“If I was in CID I would send investigators to go out to all hardware stores, all motor suppliers and parts, refrigeration (shops) to find out where that (Ethylene glycol) coming from,” he added.
The ex-cop also said he would give the investigators one week to bring in all the information gathered to help put together the type of case that is needed and then give him a full briefing on it.
“If you are managing the case that is what you will do,” he remarked.