INDECOM, Police High Command probing fatal Old Harbour Bay shooting
Published:Sunday | March 24, 2024 | 3:23 PM
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and the Police High Command have launched separate probes into the fatal shooting of two men in Old Harbour Bay, St Catherine on Saturday in an alleged confrontation with the police.
Those killed are 20-year-old Daniel McKenzie and 23-year-old Nigria Bailey, both of Terminal Road, Old Harbour Bay.
The police report that about 1 p.m., police operatives went to the Terminal Road community and upon reaching a dirt road the cops observed two men standing at the rear of a Toyota motor car.
According to the police, the actions of the men arose the suspicion of the police party, which stopped to make checks.
The team announced its presence, during which both men allegedly brandished handguns and opened fire.
The police took evasive action and returned the fire, during which both men were hit.
They were assisted to the Spanish Town Hospital where they were pronounced dead.
A homemade handgun and a Beretta nine millimetre pistol along with three rounds were seized from the scene.
Following the shooting, upset residents staged a protest.
They vehemently disputed the police's account of the shooting, alleging that the men were gunned down without justification.
Their anger spilled onto the streets as they barricaded Terminal Road with burning tyres and debris, demanding justice for the slain individuals.
Head of INDECOM Hugh Faulkner said the circumstances leading to the incident are being ascertain, utilising all the available evidential options.
According to Faulkner, in addition to forensic processing of the scene and collection of the two firearms reportedly involved, the agency's family liaison officer will reach out to the bereaved families to offer support.
He noted that the incident adds to the mounting caseload of 55 matters presently before the courts, all stemming from police-involved shootings.
- Rasbert Turner / Ruddy Mathison
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