INDECOM and police have full authority over probe of shooting death of solider in Denham Town – JDF

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) says the police and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) now have full authority over the matter concerning the shooting death of Private Ejay Domville.

Domville was reportedly shot in the face during an alleged shootout with armed thugs last Friday in Denham Town, Kingston where there is a Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO).

In response to a Gleaner article published this morning in which Domville's mother, Calisha Reynolds, questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the death of her son, the JDF has sought to reassure the family and the public that the army is fully cooperating with the investigation by INDECOM and the police.

In a release this afternoon, the JDF said members of the leadership of the Jamaica Regiment and the Chaplaincy Department have met with the next of kin and other family members to offer any assistance necessary.

“We want to assure Pte Domville's family and the public that we are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), which now have full authority on the matter. We are also conducting our own internal investigation to ensure all facts are uncovered. It is very important to us that there is full transparency regarding this unfortunate event,” the release said.

The JDF said it acknowledges the concerns raised by the deceased soldier's mother in today's Gleaner and is committed to working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure they are addressed in a timely manner. 

“Arrangements have been made to ensure Ms Reynolds is present at the autopsy, and we will maintain continuous communication to ensure she is informed throughout the process,” the JDF said.

Accordingly, the JDF said it also recognised the concerns expressed by the public regarding the possibility of Domville's death being the result of fratricide, which is the accidental killing of one's own forces in war.

“We acknowledge that the complexity of a shooting engagement with threat force and split-second decision-making can increase its likelihood. However, our pre-deployment training is focused on minimising the risk of fratricide and ensuring the safety and well-being of our service members during a firefight,” JDF release said.

Reynolds told The Gleaner yesterday that an autopsy was planned for today. 

READ: Mom of 20-y-o soldier slain in Denham Town seeks answers

She also said she was denied the opportunity to view the body of her son citing that his body was already identified by someone other than herself.

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