Investigators probing the disappearance of two-year-old Angelo Tobias-Plaza believe they have made a major breakthrough in the case, nine days after the toddler was reported missing.
The Express was informed that one of seven people detained in connection with the child’s disappearance allegedly told investigators that the child was strangled and his body thrown into the sea near a coastal village on Tobago’s windward side, several kilometres beyond Scarborough.
The alleged confession reportedly led officers back to the home of Angelo’s mother and stepfather at Cambridge Trace, Goodwood, on Saturday morning as investigators intensified enquiries.
Police sources said the suspect, a man, later complained of illness while in custody and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Investigators had reportedly intended to take the suspect to the village to identify specific locations relevant to the probe.
As a result of the information allegedly provided, police and search teams have now concentrated operations along sections of the coastline and nearby waters in Tobago.
Three women and four men remain in custody in connection with the investigation.
Police cordoned off access to the family’s home on Saturday while crime scene investigators conducted further searches and enquiries at the property.
Operations remained ongoing up to yesterday afternoon, with investigators remaining cautious about publicly disclosing details because of the sensitive nature of the investigation.
A senior police officer said, “I don’t want to give any premature pronouncements at this time, but we are making sure that we complete and tick all our boxes before any further comments are made in relation to this investigation.”
Meanwhile, members of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team carried out searches in nearby areas after a resident of Pig Farm Road reported seeing a suspicious black bag down a precipice.
Captain Vallence Rambharat said rescuers descended into the area using ropes because the bag appeared suspicious.
However, he said the contents of the bag were unrelated to the missing child investigation.
“We thank the resident,” Rambharat added.
In a statement yesterday, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service said investigations into Angelo’s disappearance had taken a “critical turn.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Rishi Singh said investigators were continuing to work diligently and professionally toward achieving “a clear and definitive outcome” in the matter.
The TTPS stressed that the investigation remains sensitive and ongoing, and that all enquiries are being conducted fairly and with full respect for the constitutional rights of all involved.
Police said the probe has become a coordinated multi-agency operation involving the Special Victims Department, Tobago Division Gang Unit, Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Tobago Divisional Task Force, Canine Unit and the Criminal Records Office.
Support is also being provided by the Tobago Emergency Management Agency and the Hunters Search and Rescue Team.
The TTPS urged members of the public to allow investigators to continue their work without interference and appealed to anyone with information on Angelo’s whereabouts to contact the Scarborough Police Station, 555, 800-TIPS or Tobago 211.
Police said updates will continue to be issued as the investigation progresses, subject to operational sensitivity and lawful disclosure.