The body of Diana Theodore, 72, was found Saturday morning in a pool of blood next to the body of her pet dog. Police in Choiseul, St Lucia, opened a murder investigation after she was found with a head injury. Mother-of-one Theodore left the UK for the island more than 30 years ago and has described herself as a “community activist”. In a statement, the Saint Lucia National Trust said: “Today we heard the very sad news of the untimely loss of our long-time member and former advisor and friend to many of our members.” The trust described Theodore as “a passionate and ardent supporter of St Lucia’s natural and cultural heritage”, adding that he was “a long-standing member of the trust who also served on the board and regularly contributed her ideas, concerns and advice in areas of conservation and the interest of the community”. A neighbor described Theodore as “a very nice person. Every time you saw her, she would be smiling,” and said the attack had shocked the community. “She’s such a nice lady and she didn’t deserve this at all.” Theodore’s body was found when her home was burglarized after she was reported missing by a friend she lived with. Speaking to Loop News, a neighbor said his friend Theodoris “came to us and said he hadn’t seen her, so we all went looking for her but we couldn’t find her. It’s not like she can’t be seen in this small village. She was friendly and has lived in Morne Sion for many years.” Major Crime Unit Supt Luke Defraitus told 88.5 Soufrière FM radio on Saturday: “Police responded to an initial call of a burglary. Upon their arrival, the body of the owner of the premises was found bound and gagged inside the premises.” Theodore is survived by her daughter, a university lecturer, who lives in the UK.
