Trial of cops in Mario Deane case set to begin Tuesday

By Lorraine Walker    

 

It was a relieved Mercia Fraser, mother of Mario Deane, who spoke with Radio Jamaica News on Monday afternoon following a major development in her son's case.

 

The trial of three police officers implicated in the death of Mr. Deane is set to get underway Tuesday in the Westmoreland circuit court.

 

More than 10 years after Mario Deane died on August 3, 2014 - three days after he was brutally beaten while in police custody - and after the trial had repeatedly been postponed since 2018, a seven-member jury was on Monday morning empanelled ahead of Tuesday's start of the trial.

 

Some 56 people were summoned for jury duty in the case and they all turned up to court, prompting the trial judge, Justice Courtney Day to express appreciation for the turnout of potential jurors.

 

The case was transferred to the Westmoreland Circuit Court November 15, last year due to difficulties in empanelling jurors in St. James.

 

Mr. Deane's mother, Mercia Fraser, has been tireless in her quest for justice for her son. She has never missed a court date and, supported by Jamaicans for Justice, has mounted an annual protest outside the Barnett Street Police Station in Montego Bay, St. James on the anniversary of his death.

 

Ms. Fraser said Monday's development has given her some relief.

 

"I just feel a little lighter and a little better. I'm hopeful for tomorrow," she said, admitting that the years-long wait for justice has been "nerve-racking" but she "had to do what she had to do" to stand up for her son.   

 

Mickel Jackson, Executive Director of Jamaicans for Justice, said JFJ is cautiously optimistic that the matter will be completed within the one-month period set by the trial judge. 

 

"[JFJ has] been with Ms. Fraser throughout this ordeal and we will continue to support her. So we are heartened at where we are finally today, but we hope that there will be no further setback. And again, at the end of that one-month period, we hope that we will have the matter fulsomely adjudicated, and again, Ms. Fraser can realise some justice for her and her family." 

 

Mario Deane was arrested by the police after he was found with a ganja spliff. He was 31 years old at the time of his death.

 

Corporal Elaine Stewart, Constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant are charged with manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, and misconduct in a public office in connection with the death of Mr. Deane.