A Son’s Quest for Closure a Decade After Father’s Unsolved Murder

Nikolai Edwards reflects on the unresolved murder of his father, Hassan Atwell, who escaped from the Port of Spain prison in July 2015. Just two days after his escape, Atwell was found dead, his murder still unsolved a decade later. Edwards recalls the moment he learned of his father’s escape while at work, and his internal struggle with hope and regret, wishing he could have urged his father to surrender. Despite the ongoing pain, he and his siblings strive to lead more fulfilling lives, having learned from their father’s mistakes. Edwards believes the Port of Spain prison should be closed, as it has become outdated, with calls for its removal echoed by local officials, including Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander. However, even the potential closure of the prison won’t ease Edwards’ grief over his father’s death.