Antigua lawmaker stabbed to death at home, police say

By Robertson S. Henry

(Reuters) -A member of Antigua and Barbuda's parliament was found dead at his home early on Tuesday with a stab wound to his chest and other injuries, police said, adding his death was being investigated as a murder.

Lawmaker Asot Michael was killed in "a brutal and senseless act of violence" in his home in the neighborhood of Dry Hill, in St. John Parish on the island's west end, according to a statement from his family.

Police said in a statement that a suspect had been identified, without naming the person.

Michael had previously served as tourism, economic development and energy minister under Prime Minister Gaston Browne, though the two had a falling out and Michael left the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.

He was elected to parliament last year as an independent.

"Despite our differences, I regarded him as a brother," Browne said in a statement. "I pledge that our government will provide all necessary resources to the Royal Police Force to ensure a thorough investigation."

(Reporting by Robertson S. Henry in Kingstown; Editing by Alison Williams and Sandra Maler)