BODDEN TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS — Authorities have formally identified the woman found dead in a burning vehicle on Thursday afternoon as 47-year-old Judiann Myles, a prominent civil servant who served as the head of the Anti-Money Laundering Division at the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA).
Myles, a resident of Bodden Town, was discovered inside the vehicle after emergency responders were called to an open lot at Lookout Gardens around 2:10 p.m. Police and fire personnel arrived to find the car engulfed in flames, and once the fire was extinguished, they located a body inside the vehicle. There were no signs of life.
In a statement issued on Sunday morning, the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) confirmed the victim’s identity and stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Myles had a longstanding career with CIMA, joining the authority in 1999 and rising through the ranks over two decades. She was named head of the Anti-Money Laundering Division in June 2023, following her tenure as deputy head of the unit. Her work placed her at the forefront of regulatory oversight and financial integrity in the Cayman Islands.
Police have yet to release any details about a possible cause of death, potential motive, or whether any suspects have been identified or taken into custody. The RCIPS has urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, particularly on social media, noting the harm that speculation can cause to both the investigation and the grieving family.
“Police are urging members of the public to act responsibly when sharing information on social media and to be mindful of the impact such posts may have on the community, the investigation, and the grieving family,” said an RCIPS spokesperson.
The shocking nature of Myles’ death has sent ripples throughout the island community, particularly within the public sector and financial oversight circles. Tributes have begun to emerge recognizing her as a dedicated professional who made significant contributions to the island’s anti-money laundering efforts.
Authorities are asking anyone with information that may assist the investigation to contact the RCIPS Major Incident Room at 649-2930.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.