HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. — The RCMP sent out a statement on Nov. 19 that they are continuing to investigate the death of a young woman found in a wooded area of Happy Valley-Goose Bay on Nov. 15.
Tama Bennett, 23, was found deceased in the early morning hours and later that day the Happy Valley-Goose Bay said that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
“The original media release by police on Nov. 15 indicated the death was deemed not suspicious up to that point in the investigation based on a thorough scene examination by RCMP Forensic Identification Services and interviews with multiple witnesses,” the statement read. “This remains consistent with evidence available at this time.”
According to the statement Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the RCMP Forensic Identification Section are investigating the death.
The Nunatsiavut Government has called for an independent investigation into the death and said they are concerned with how the case is proceeding. They cited the speed at which the death was determined to be not suspicious as a factor.
A vigil was held for Bennett at the Labrador Friendship Centre on Nov. 19 and a hashtag #JusticeForTama has been circulating on social media.
RCMP said in the statement while they are aware of concerns regarding the cause of her death circulating on social media, ‘the RCMP will continue, as a matter of practice and investigative protocol, to conduct a detailed and thorough investigation giving consideration to all available evidence.’
They also said that if anyone has information they believe is pertinent to the investigation to contact the Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP and they will provide an update once the investigation concludes.
Related:
Labrador groups call for independent investigation into death of Nain woman
RCMP investigating death of young woman in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
