ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — On Saturday, law enforcement in Antigua placed murder charges against a man in connection with the recent stabbing death of a well-known member of parliament at his coastal residence.

The individual charged, 26-year-old Alexta Francis, who works as a landscaper, was taken into custody two days prior to the charges following an interrogation regarding the death of Asot Michael. Francis is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Monday.

Details surrounding Francis’s current location or his legal representation remained unclear as of Saturday.

Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney praised the investigative team for their rigorous and professional approach to the case. He indicated that the police have no intentions of making the motive public at this time, opting to let the details unfold during the court proceedings.

Asot Michael, 54, was an independent member of parliament as well as a successful businessman. He had climbed the political ladder within the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party before transitioning to run independently due to various controversies, including allegations stemming from an international bribery scandal that he has consistently denied. He successfully secured his parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the 2023 elections.

Michael was discovered dead at his residence on the west coast of Antigua on Tuesday by a housekeeper who reported for duty and found him with multiple stab wounds.

This incident marks a troubling milestone as it is the first known homicide involving a parliamentarian in the history of the twin-island nation.

In response to this shocking crime, the government declared its intention to seek assistance from the London Metropolitan Police for further investigation. Given Antigua’s historical ties to Britain as a former colony, the nation has previously turned to London law enforcement for help with notable cases. While assistance from British authorities is no longer necessary for the investigation into Michael’s murder, Commissioner Rodney noted that they will still seek to benefit from the expertise of the Metropolitan Police in solving other outstanding cases.