13 March 2024 , 17:30
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Viscella Richards' "violent and brutal" cause of death has been revealed.
Authorities in Trinidad on Tuesday released the results of the autopsy, which was carried out by Forensic Science Centre, in Federation Park. It found that Viscella 'Vikki' Richards died of blunt force trauma to her head and face.
Her family released a statement appealing for those with information to come forward, saying they are in mourning over her "violent and brutal" death. The statement, sent from Canada, read: “During this period of mourning and grief, we are sustained and comforted by our knowledge of the enormous impact she had on the many lives she touched as a successful actress and fashion model in England, and later on in her career in theatre and broadcasting in Trinidad and Tobago. She was a beautiful person inside and out."
The statement added: “Her entire family who loved and cared for her are deeply saddened by the devastating circumstances surrounding her untimely death and we await further news from the local authorities.
“As we seek justice for Viscella, the family will continue to fully cooperate with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) as they conduct a thorough investigation into the events surrounding Viscella’s tragic death. We ask that anyone who knows or saw something to please contact the TTPS."
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Vikki was a model and actress in the 60s and 70s (Getty Images)
Vikki relocated to the UK as a child before returning to the Caribbean later in life (Getty Images)The British actress was found with her hands bound inside her home in Valsayn on the North coast of Trinidad last Wednesday, in what police have said they now believe was a home invasion. Viscella's body was discovered when a concerned friend arrived at her property after not being able to get hold of her since Tuesday evening.
The friend discovered the front gate to be closed but noticed the front door was ajar. Local officials noted that there were no other marks of violence on the actress' body when it was discovered.
Relatives of the actress revealed pieces of her jewellery are still missing. No one has been arrested in connection with the killing so far and, according to a family source, her funeral is now being planed for April.
A police spokesman said: "We have been contacted by the family and are currently carrying out a full investigation. We encourage members of the community to contact us with any meaningful information they might have so we can investigate this fully and to bring closure for the family."
The British actress, who used the stage name Vikki Richards, enjoyed a successful international film and modelling career in the UK during the 60s and 70s. She relocated to the UK as a child before returning to the Caribbean later in life.
Paying tribute, a relative told Newsday: "She was just beautiful, and I don't mean in just appearance, but her soul was beautiful." They added that despite retiring, the late actor didn't stop performing, with her having worked with a theatre group and on other projects. The relative said: "She was an outgoing person. She loved to perform - she never stopped."
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