The father of the 13-year-old Christiana High School student who was found dead is now being sought by the police. Authorities believe that Lawrence Sergeant of Baillieston, Clarendon, can help in the investigation of his daughter, Shantina Sergeant, who went missing days ago.
Lawrence reported his daughter missing on October 3, and after she was found on October 6, he became a crucial part of the investigation into her disappearance and death.
The decomposed body of the second-form student was reportedly found inside a burnt-out refrigerator behind her family’s home. The grim discovery was made on Monday evening by officers from the Christiana Police Station, who were conducting searches in the area.
Police say that Shantina’s disappearance was first brought to their attention by her father, who visited the station to file a missing person’s report. However, investigators now believe Lawrence Sergeant may have crucial information about what happened to his daughter.
Superintendent Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester police, confirmed that the search for Lawrence is now active. “We are currently looking for her father, Mr. Lawrence Sergeant, who we believe at this point can assist in our investigation,” he told Observer Online. According to Duncan, special police units have been mobilised to locate him as the probe intensifies.
The shocking discovery has left both the Christiana and Baillieston communities shaken. Residents are now grappling with disbelief as details surrounding the case unfold. Based on the reports, police have maintained a cautious approach, avoiding premature conclusions until all leads are verified.
In the meantime, law enforcement officials have turned their attention to providing emotional and psychological support to those affected. According to officials, officers were sent to Christiana High School on Tuesday, where victim support personnel and counsellors were dispatched to comfort students and staff members mourning the loss of their classmate.
The investigation, led by the Manchester police, remains ongoing as the search for Lawrence Sergeant continues.