Prisoner fatally shot by correctional officers at Tamarind Farm, INDECOM launches probe

One of two inmates who allegedly attempted to escape from the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre in St Catherine on Wednesday was fatally shot by correctional officers.

The deceased has been identified as 33-year-old Odane Hyatt of Rosehall district in Linstead, St Catherine.

Reports are that about 10:07 a.m., Hyatt and another inmate were among 14 prisoners assigned to a work party performing hard labour.

During a muster conducted by correctional officers, it was discovered that two inmates were missing.

A search was launched, and Hyatt and the other inmate were later spotted some distance away in a restricted area.

Officers reportedly instructed them to rejoin the group, but they disobeyed and fled.

They were pursued, during which correctional personnel fired shots in their direction.

Hyatt was subsequently found suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

The other inmate was recaptured and taken back into custody.

Hyatt was transported to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched a probe into the incident.

- Rasbert Turner

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