JCF refutes claims it refused international help to probe murder of Canadian couple

​The Police High Command is refuting claims that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has refused assistance from international law enforcement agencies to investigate the killing of Melbourne and Etta Flake in Retreat, St Thomas.

The couple’s daughter, Debbie Olfert, had claimed that Interpol and the Canadian police have offered to help in the murder investigation, but the JCF has turned down the offer.

Eighty-one-year-old Melbourne and his wife were found dead in their home on January 9.

However, in a statement this morning, the high command says at no time has the Canadian Police or Interpol approached the JCF to assist with the investigation.

It says the JCF constantly works with international partners, and has collaborated on several matters with various agencies over the years.

The high command further states that the JCF and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Liaison Officer, who is attached to the Canadian High Commission, have an open and professional working relationship and that Jamaica is an active member of Interpol with an established local office.

It says the investigation into the Flakes' killing is actively progressing and if the need arises, the JCF will not hesitate to request the input of international law enforcement agencies.

The high command is assuring family members, friends and associates of the couple that the police are unrelenting in their investigation of the killing and are committed to carrying out a thorough and professional investigation.