Scarlett Keeling death: Goa judge clears two accused in gruesome case

The Goa Children's Court, on Friday, cleared two men of all charges over the death of 15-year-old Scarlett Keeling on a Goan beach in 2008

The Goa Children's Court, on Friday, cleared two men of all charges over the death of 15-year-old Scarlett Keeling on a Goan beach in 2008.

Scarlett Keeling

Placido Carvalho, 48, and Samson D'Souza, 37, faced charges of culpable homicide and grievous sexual assault at Goa Children's Court.
The teenager, from Bideford in Devon, was on a six-month 'trip of a lifetime' to India with her family when she died.

Scarlett's bruised and partially clothed body was found on Anjuna beach in February 2008 where she had gone to attend Valentine's Day beach party while the rest of her family had gone travelling.

A post-mortem examination found a cocktail of drugs in her system and she suffered 50 separate injuries in the attack, the court has previously heard.

Her mother Fiona MacKeown said she was 'disappointed' with the verdict and would appeal and 'definitely move to the higher court'.

The case
The body of 15-year-old Scarlett Keeling was found on Goa’s Anjuna beach on February 18, 2008. The autopsy confirmed rape and concluded that the death was due to an overdose of drugs. The Goa police arrested three suspects — Placido Carvalho, Samson D’souza, the barman at a shack, and Julio Lobo, the local tour guide who struck up a relationship with the teen. These individuals are believed to have been with her hours before her death. Carvalho admitted to giving Scarlett drugs, raping her and leaving her on the beach. The accused were arrested and later released on bail.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!