INDECOM probing possible police negligence after detainee killed in lock-up

By Nakinskie Robinson    

 

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) says it is investigating whether there was negligence by police officers, which resulted in the death of Rekema Bravo while in custody at the Chapelton lock-up in Clarendon on Monday morning.

 

INDECOM Commissioner Hugh Faulkner provided additional details on the matter while speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Monday afternoon. 

 

"In this matter separate investigations will be conducted into the death of Mr. Bravo. The JCF will be conducting a murder investigation. However, the official cause of death will be determined during the post-mortem examination," he said, adding that INDECOM's Central Regional Office located in Mandeville will oversee the investigation. 

 

Mr. Faulkner urged relatives of Mr. Bravo to make contact with the office for guidance on the investigative process. 

 

He said the Commission has so far investigated nine deaths which occurred in police custody, since the start of the year - three of which occurred at a police station and six at a correctional facility. 

 

Police say, about 3:15 a.m., unusual sounds were heard coming from one of the cells at the Chapelton lock-up and checks were made.

 

Mr. Bravo, 31, was seen with a wound, which was reportedly inflicted by other prisoners.

 

He was transported to May Pen Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

 

According to police, Mr. Bravo was taken into custody on Saturday after he attacked his grandmother with a knife, and destroyed her property.

 

He was charged with assault at common law and malicious destruction of property.

 

Meanwhile, family members of Mr. Bravo said he was mentally ill and should not have been placed in the lock-up cell with the other detainees.

 

"Mi feel bad about him, cause he's a nice guy. Him nuh trouble nobody. All when him sick, him nuh trouble nobody, him just would good gwaan with everybody same way.  If him nuh feel fi talk to yuh, him just gone," said one relative.   

 

Another family member bemoaned that the police knew Mr. Bravo was mentally ill, adding that she had warned that he was not taking his medication and should be taken to see a doctor.