No marks of assault found on woman's body washed ashore - Police

Police at the UCC District Command have dismissed suspicions of an apparent attack after an unidentified woman's body was found washed ashore at Hutchland Beach in Cape Coast.

He stated that a preliminary examination revealed no visible signs of assault.

According to a statement issued on June 14, 2026, the police said officers who responded to the scene carefully inspected the body and found no evidence suggesting the woman had been physically attacked before her death.

“The body was carefully inspected, and there were no marks of assault on it. Photographs were taken, and the body has since been deposited at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital morgue for identification and autopsy,” the UCC District Police Command stated.

According to the UCC District Police Commander, ASP Abdul Abubakar, the Police received a report at approximately 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2026, from residents of the Duakor Community indicating that a body had been washed ashore along the beach.

Upon receipt of the information, the Police promptly proceeded to the scene to verify the report.

The body, believed to be that of a woman between 25 and 30 years old, was discovered in the early hours of June 12 after the incident was reported to police at about 3:15 a.m.

Although blood was observed oozing from the deceased's nose, police said there were no visible injuries or marks indicating foul play, contrary to initial speculation surrounding the discovery.

As part of ongoing investigations, the Police received information later that evening suggesting that the deceased was a student of UCC.

In response, the Dean of Students' Affairs was notified to assist with the identification process and related administrative procedures.

Missing level 200 UCC student found dead

This line of inquiry was subsequently reinforced when the deceased's roommate, with whom she resided in a private hostel at Amamoma, a nearby community to the University of Cape Coast, reported to the Police Station with a photograph, which aided in confirming the identity as Innocentia Atsufui Avinu.

The roommate recounted that the deceased had last been seen two days earlier, at about 7:00 p.m., when she received a phone call, dressed casually, and left the room.

She also indicated that colleagues became more concerned when Avinu did not return. Consequently, efforts were made by friends and colleagues to trace her whereabouts throughout the following day, but these attempts proved unsuccessful.

Subsequently, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the family of the deceased visited the Police station and were escorted to the mortuary for identification.

The family confirmed the identity of the deceased, and observations made at the mortuary were consistent with the initial findings, as no physical injuries were detected on the body.

Police say investigations remain ongoing, with autopsy results expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the woman's death.

In light of these developments, ASP Abdul Abubakar indicated that the Police will, on Monday, June 15, 2026, obtain a coroner's form from the court to facilitate a post-mortem examination.

This procedure will enable a pathologist to determine the exact cause of death and provide further clarity on the case.

Meanwhile, the Police has assured the public that investigations are ongoing. The General Public is also being advised to desist from sharing or publicising false information about the incident, as such actions may impede ongoing investigations and cause unnecessary distress to the bereaved family, course mates, management, and the entire University Community.

The University Management has been duly informed, and appropriate support measures are being extended to the family, the affected roommate, colleague students and course mates during this difficult period.

Read the statement below



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