In 2021, a U.K. woman named Sarm Heslop vanished from her American boyfriend's yacht in the U.S. Virgin Islands under suspicious circumstances. Her mother, Brenda Street, has sent an open letter to President Biden, urging action to address the perceived failures of the local police in investigating her daughter's disappearance.
Heslop disappeared overnight between March 7 and 8, 2021, with searches yielding no results. Her family suspects foul play, with Street expressing her belief that her daughter was murdered and calling for a deeper investigation into potential corruption and cover-ups.
Heslop was last seen leaving a bar on St. John with her boyfriend, Ryan Bane, who has a history of domestic violence. Despite being the last person seen with Heslop, police did not search Bane's boat, the Siren Song, as a judge reportedly denied their request for a warrant.
Experts have criticized the handling of the case, pointing out that probable cause for a search should have been established given the circumstances. Surveillance footage shows the couple heading to Bane's dinghy after leaving the bar, and Bane reported Heslop missing to the police the following morning.
Concerns have been raised about the delayed notification to the U.S. Coast Guard and Bane's refusal to allow a search of his boat. Street highlighted the failures of the Virgin Islands police in handling the case, including the mishandling of evidence and communication issues.
David Johnston, a former London homicide squad commander assisting Heslop's family, raised questions about Bane's actions, including his trip to Grenada and the replacement of parts on his boat. Bane's lawyer maintains his client's innocence and willingness to cooperate with authorities.
While Bane has not been charged, he is considered a person of interest in the case. Street is calling for the release of surveillance footage and seeking answers about her daughter's disappearance.
The case remains unresolved, with a reward offered for information on Heslop's whereabouts. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds individuals in distress in U.S. waters to contact them for assistance.
