The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SEVERAL officers of both police stations where two men died in custody have been placed on leave until the Coroner completes investigations, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage confirmed yesterday.

While Dr Nottage has told this newspaper that he had not received any information to indicate that the deaths of Jamie Jamico Smith and Aaron Rolle were caused by officers, he told his colleagues at Parliament that the decision was not to prove guilt.  

“I can also tell you,” he said, “that a number of officers from the Central Detective Unit (CDU) and Southern Station have been placed on administrative leave pending the completion of these investigations by Her Majesty’s Coroner (Linda Virgil).

“This is not to suggest any culpability or otherwise. It is simply to ensure that procedures are followed which will allow due process and natural justice to everyone involved – the police and the victims.”

Deputy FNM leader Loretta Butler Turner called on officials to deal with the deaths speedily so that the victims’ families can seek closure. She also urged the government to look into other deaths in police custody which occurred last year.

Dr Nottage assured her that he was awaiting information that was gathered over the last six years. After completing his own overview he said he would speak more specifically to her concerns.

The deaths occurred just eight months after 22-year-old Tyronne Saunders was found unresponsive inside a CDU cell one day after being arrested in connection with a murder.

On Friday, February 8, 33-year-old Smith in custody at CDU for questioning in connection with a number of criminal matters died. Less than 24 hours later, Rolle, who was 21, died in a cell at the Southern Police Station.

It is understood that Rolle, of Ross Corner had escaped from the station, but was recaptured 30 hours later. 

Around midnight on Saturday, Rolle had reportedly asked to have some water and be allowed to use the telephone. He was given water, but shortly afterwards, his cell mate called out to officers to inform them that Rolle was lying on the floor and appeared to be dead.

Paramedics were summoned to the station and pronounced him dead. It is understood that he had certain “medical challenges”.

The circumstances surrounding Smith’s death at CDU remain unknown. 

Dr Nottage also responded to criticisms from FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis who had earlier in the week questioned whether the government had ordered authorities in handling suspects to shoot to kill or to shoot first.

“Sometimes we allow our mouths to say words before we get our brains in gear, but I say it was an asinine statement. One to which I very strongly object,” he said.