The disappearance of Sarm Heslop, a British woman who vanished from a catamaran in the U.S. Virgin Islands in March 2021, continues to be a subject of intense scrutiny and new developments.
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| New Developments Emerge in Sarm Heslop Disappearance Case |
New BBC Documentary to Air
A major development in the case is the upcoming BBC documentary series, "Missing in Paradise: Searching for Sarm." The three-part series is set to air on BBC Two and BBC Three later this month. According to a press release, the documentary will feature journalist Tir Dhondy, who investigates the circumstances of Heslop's disappearance, retracing her steps and interviewing key figures, including police, the coastguard, and witnesses.
A significant point of interest for the documentary is the exclusive release of CCTV footage showing Heslop's movements on the night she disappeared. This footage, which the family has previously stated the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department (USVIPD) had refused to release, could provide new insights into her last known moments.
Resignation of Police Commissioner
In another recent turn, the friends and family of Sarm Heslop have renewed hope for a breakthrough following the resignation of USVIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez. Martinez's resignation comes amid a federal investigation into alleged misuse of funds. The family's campaign, #JusticeForSarm, has stated that Martinez had previously "failed to engage" with their efforts to get answers in the case. They have since written to the island's governor, urging him to meet with their family advocate, a former Metropolitan Police homicide commander, David Johnston.
Ongoing Frustration with Police Investigation
The Heslop family and their supporters have consistently voiced their frustration with the USVIPD's handling of the case from the very beginning. Key points of contention include:
Delayed Coast Guard Notification: Heslop's boyfriend, Ryan Bane, reported her missing to police at approximately 2:30 a.m., but the USVIPD reportedly instructed him to call the coastguard, which he did not do until about nine hours later.
Lack of Forensic Search: The police have never obtained a search warrant for the catamaran, "Siren Song," from which Heslop disappeared.
Bane's Lack of Formal Interview: Ryan Bane, who was the last person to see Heslop, has never been formally interviewed by the USVIPD, and reportedly sailed away from the USVI shortly after her disappearance. He has denied any wrongdoing, stating that Heslop had a tragic accident.
The Family's Shifting Focus
While the initial campaign was titled "Find Sarm," her family and friends have stated that they have reluctantly come to the conclusion that she is no longer alive. They are now focused on a "Justice for Sarm" campaign, urging authorities to reclassify the case from a missing person to a murder investigation.
Continuing Appeals for Information
The family continues to offer a reward for information that leads to a significant breakthrough in the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS.