An unsigned coroner's order yesterday delayed until today the post-mortem on slain Buxtonian Shaka Blair.

A press release from the Police Public Relations Department said yesterday that the delay resulted from the refusal of Blair's reputed wife Simi Ragnauth to sign the coroner's order identifying his body because she was awaiting instructions from her lawyer.

According to the release, the doctor, after waiting for a considerable period, was forced to leave to attend to other medical matters. The lawyer later arrived and "allegedly advised" her to sign the order permitting the work of the pathologist, the police release said.

Meanwhile, the release said, the police were continuing investigations into circumstances surrounding the death of the Buxton resident on April 6, at his Middle Walk Road home. According to the release, statements have been obtained from the deceased's reputed wife and three others.

Blair was shot in the chest after being separated from his wife and child by members of the Anti Crime Unit after they had stormed his home at about 12:30 am.

Attorney-at-law and PNC/R Executive Member, Raphael Trotman, told Stabroek News yesterday that a new date had been set for the post-mortem and arrangements were being made to enlist the services of an independent pathologist.