Beauty queen died of heart failure
Three assailants released on station bail
Stabroek News
June 10, 2004
Eighteen-year-old Kenisha Baird, who died on Monday night after being involved in a fight with three girls, died as a result of cardiac arrest, according to a post-mortem examination performed yesterday.
However, the teenager's relatives said they are not satisfied with the results and will be seeking legal advice today.
A release from the police yesterday said they are investigating the incident which occurred at Boliver Avenue, Mocha, East Bank Demerara and resulted in the death of the Miss Mocha Arcadia pageant queen.
The release said enquiries disclosed that three females who were at a party in the area were walking on a road when the deceased confronted them.
An argument ensued which resulted in a fight that was subsequently broken up. Baird, of Lot 545 New Settlers, Mocha, collapsed shortly after and was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival, the police said.
Sources said that because of the cause of death the police will find a difficulty in charging the three girls with any offence.
But others pointed out that even though the young woman had an existing heart problem it was the actions of the three that triggered her heart failure.
The police have since released the three young women on station bail.
The relatives of the girl had said that the three had an ongoing problem with the young woman and were jealous over her winning the crown.
They reported that the three had a fight with the girl which was broken up but they followed her to one of the brightest corners in the area and attacked her again. Her friends, who were with her, related that they attempted to part the combatants but persons on the corner formed a ring around the girls and urged that the fight continue. The relatives are contending that one of the assailants choked Baird and when she let her go, the girl fell to the ground.
The girl's mother said that her daughter had a heart problem, which is known to many since she has been visiting her doctor for regular check-ups.
Relatives were upset with the actions of the residents on the corner since they pointed out that had they stopped the fight Baird might have still been alive.