No body cameras worn in triple fatal shooting in St James, INDECOM reports

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) says it has launched a probe into Thursday night’s fatal shooting of three men during a police operation in St James, where no body-worn cameras were reported as issued or worn.

It said the deceased men have not been identified.

INDECOM, which investigates actions by members of the security forces, said the single incident stemmed from a police operation which was conducted after 11 p.m. on Thursday in Coral Gardens.

Detailing the police account of what happened, INDECOM said officers reported that the teams had separate encounters with the three men upon entering the area.

“Two men are alleged to have attempted to relieve the officers of their firearms, and were shot by other members of the police team,”said the statement issued on Friday afternoon. “The other man is reported as pointing a firearm at the police and they state that they fired in response to that action.”

INDECOM further indicated that two firearms were recovered at the incident scene; one allegedly from a deceased and the other from within a room in the house

“No body worn cameras were reported as being issued or worn by any of the police officers involved in this shooting incident,” the commission added.

The incident scene was examined by INDECOM personnel and “the evidential material recovered, processed and packaged,” the statement added.

It added that the hands of the deceased men were swabbed for gunshot residue, and their bodies photographed and sealed, pending post mortem examination.

INDECOM said the officers involved will be served with Section 21 Notices, pursuant to the Independent Commission of Investigations Act, 2010, to submit statements and or attend interviews.

INDECOM is appealing for public assistance to identify the men.

“Witnesses are reminded to provide photos, videos, or information available in relation to this and other fatal shooting incidents,” the oversight body said.

The commission said the information should be shared via its WhatsApp number (876)553-0000, by visiting any INDECOM regional office, or by calling 876-968-1932 or 876-968-8875.

According to the commission, 19 persons have now been shot and killed during the month of February by members of the security forces. So far this year, 47 persons have been killed.

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