A 20-year-old Paget man is in custody helping Police investigate the death of 47-year-old Cornell Jones.

Yesterday it emerged that a forensic pathologist concluded Mr. Jones did not die of natural causes.

But Police spokesperson Dwayne Caines would not confirm that a murder inquiry was now under way.

Mr. Jones's body was discovered last Wednesday in a derelict house in Valley Road, Paget.

Mr. Caines said Police had had "moderate success" with the number of witnesses who had come forward with information.

Mr. Gladstone Stovell, a close friend of Mr. Jones, told The Royal Gazette the question "why" was still on everyone's mind.

"The shock hasn't died down. Everyone who knew him was devastated. We're still trying to come to terms with why anyone would want to hurt a likeable person like him."

Mr. Stovell was a manager at the Paget Gas Station where Mr. Jones worked, describing him as a person who was independent, friendly, and helpful.

"He was the Johnny Barnes of Paget, he was well-known and well-liked, people from all walks of life knew him."

Dr. Valerie Rao, a leading forensic pathologist, arrived on the Island last week and presented her findings to Police, confirming that Mr. Jones did not die from natural causes. Mr. Caines said Police were interested in speaking with runners, walkers, or motorists who usually travel in the early morning hours, particularly Wednesday morning, on Valley Road, Middle Road, or Harbour Road/Valley Road. Police are also interested in speaking with anyone walking a dog in the area of Middle Road past the Paget Shell Gas Station at around 4.50 a.m. on Wednesday.

They are also interested in speaking with anyone who had their vehicles washed by the deceased between Monday, March 16 and Tuesday the 17th.

Anyone who can help Police should contact Jerome Laws at 299-4239 or the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1800-623-8477.