The 16-year-old schoolgirl accused of chopping to death a man who allegedly attempted to rape her and a friend in St Thomas last Thursday was released in the custody of her parents on Tuesday.

Deputy Superintendent Charmaine Shand, of The St Thomas police, told THE STAR that the minor was released after a file to proceed in the matter was incomplete on the day when the matter was being heard in the Juvenile Court.

A file is being prepared to be sent to the Director Of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to make a ruling.

A return court date has not yet been set.

Police said on Friday that the now deceased Phillip Bell, lured the accused and a 14-year-old girl to his house to use his computer. Police said Bell apparently tried to rape one of the girls, prompting the other girl to attack him with a machete.

The man was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

The other girl had been released by police.

- S.W.