ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Police Commissioner Atlee Patrick Rodney has hinted at the possibility of foreign investigators assisting in the probe into the death of independent legislator Asot Michael, whose body was found in a pool of blood by his housekeeper at his Dry Hill residence on the outskirts of the capital Tuesday morning.

Rodney told a news conference that Michael, 54, who served as a minister in previous Gaston Browne Administrations, had at least one major stab wound to the chest, but that the investigations were in the early stages to determine the cause of death.

“It is one of those sad occasions we have to address as investigators… we had the call early this morning that he was found unresponsive. We responded quickly and as the doctor has just confirmed, he has passed away,” Rodney told reporters near the scene of the murder. “There are some injuries on the body which now opens up a homicide investigation as the circumstances that led to the injuries. We do not know what happened, but we are going to use all the resources that we have locally, regionally and internationally.

“I will be speaking with my regional partners, I will be speaking with my international partners, and whatever resources we need, we will use everything to address such a serious crime. It is a heinous crime when you see that type of injury and somebody lying in that condition,” the top cop told reporters.

Rodney appealed to eyewitnesses and the public to come forward and assist in the investigation, urging them also to “respect the privacy of the family”, especially with the type of information they are going to share.

“At the same time, we are asking anyone who has information…to step forward. This is a national event in…that everybody has a part to play and we look forward to every citizen playing their part in solving this matter,” the police commissioner said.

Rodney said Michael was a legislator and former government minister “who assisted so many persons in Antigua and beyond”.

He said he had spoken to the family and the investigators have spoken also to the “traumatised” housekeeper who found the body.

He said it was too early to indicate whether there had been a forced entry into the house.

“The investigators are on the scene…they are supported by other operational officers and at this stage we will just gather as much information,” he said, noting that later on Tuesday, the police will be having a case conference to determine what evidence they would have collected.

Michael, the Member of Parliament for St Peter, had contested the last general election on January 18, 2023 as an independent candidate after he fell out with the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP).

He began his political career in 1995 serving as the special administrative assistant to then-Prime Minister Lester Bird, and was eventually appointed Bird’s chief of staff in 1997. In 1999 he was appointed a government senator as well as minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister, overseeing responsibilities for public works, communications, insurance, energy and St John’s Development Corporation.

He continued in that role until 2001 when he became a full minister responsible for those portfolios until 2003. He also served as junior minister of finance until 2003.

He was first elected to the House of Representatives for the constituency of Saint Peter in 2004 and on October 23, 2017, he was detained at Heathrow Airport while in transit to a conference in France after being accused of requesting bribes from a British investor in 2016.

While being interviewed by UK authorities, Prime Minister Browne removed him as minister of tourism, economic development, investment and energy despite Michael denying any wrongdoing.

In 2018, Michael was accused by British investor Peter Virdee of involvement in a bribery scheme. Michael denied soliciting bribes and said the original detention was for the purpose of an interview with police.