Residents dispute police version of Spanish Town Bypass shooting

Family members and friends of Everton Spike and Jason Spike, two brothers fatally shot by the security forces around 7:45 p.m. Thursday on the Spanish Town Bypass, are disputing the police's account of the incident.

Angry residents mounted a roadblock near Okra Lane and Dela Vega City, alleging that the brothers were killed in cold blood despite complying with police orders. The blockage was quickly cleared by security forces.

A family member stated that the brothers had just finished playing dominoes and were on their way to buy food when they were killed.

"I was sitting across the road and see everything. They didn’t have gun, they are not trouble makers," a resident insisted while protesting the alleged police brutality.

Residents claim the brothers had their hands raised when they were shot. However, police reported that the men fired at them first, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Two firearms were allegedly recovered.

The Independent Commission of Investigations has launched a probe into the fatal shooting.

-Ruddy Mathison

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