Police are investigating whether the death of the star witness in the Michaela McAreavey murder trial could be linked to a new probe to catch her killer.
Dick Ng Sui Wa, the lawyer who represents her family, has told how the death of Raj Theekoy over the weekend is “very surprising” given a fresh review of the case began earlier this year.
Mr Theekoy’s body was discovered on wasteland in Beau-Plateau, Goodlands, Mauritius, on Sunday.
Police said the 43-year-old may have killed himself but have not ruled out foul play.
Mr Ng Sui Wa said: “The police are not treating it outright as a suicide. They are investigating any possible links with his role as leading witness in this matter.
“This is a very sad case that happened and I can assure you that the police are inquiring about possible foul play. It is too early to tell at this stage.
“But they are having an open mind and are investigating the matter.”
Mr Ng Sui Wa did not know if Mr Theekoy had been contacted by the new investigators reviewing the case. But he insisted his death does not end the fight for justice for Michaela.
The 27-year-old was strangled in her hotel room at the Legends resort on January 10, 2011.
She was on her honeymoon with John McAreavey when she was attacked as she returned to her room and disturbed a burglary.
John McAreavey said on Monday: “Firstly, let me extend my sympathies to the family of Raj. This is a tragedy for them.
“Now is a time for their mourning and grief and nothing should intrude on that.
"When it comes to getting to the truth about Michaela’s murder, nothing has been straightforward in Mauritius and neither the Hartes or myself will be deterred from pursuing justice and truth.”
Mr Theekoy, a cleaner at the resort, was initially provisionally charged with conspiracy to murder.
But after 77 days in prison, the case against him was dropped and he was granted immunity from prosecution.
He gave evidence against two other former workers at the luxury resort –Sandip Moneea and Avinash Treebhoowoon – when they later went on trial but were acquitted in 2012.
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