The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

A TOXICOLOGIST testified yesterday that Aaron Rolle had traces of drugs in his system, but not enough to contribute to his death.

Corporal Cyprian Collie, Forensic Toxicologist at the Royal Bahamas Police Force, said that after Rolle died, his blood, urine, eye fluid and bile were all checked for drugs, toxins and poisons. Traces of marijuana were found in his urine.

Rolle, 20, died at the Southern Police Station on February 8, hours after he was taken into custody for questioning in connection with an armed robbery and escape.

A pathologist report later concluded that he died from haemorrhaging and a ruptured intestine, caused by blunt force trauma to the chest.

Acting Coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez heads the inquiry. Attorney Christina Galanos represents Rolle’s immediate family and Wellington Olander represents the officers.

Corporal Collie testified that no alcohol was found in Rolle’s blood, vitreous humour or urine but he did find cannabinoid - a drug found in the marijuana plant.

He also testfied that he did not know, however, the amount of marijuana or when it was ingested but he could say with “reasonable scientific certainty that drugs or psychoactive substances did not contribute to his death.”

PC 3628 Deandrea McCluer also testified, she said she performed CPR on Rolle after she discovered him unconscious in his cell.

She said she reported to work at midnight on the day Rolle died and when she checked on him he was okay. She said the next time she spoke to Rolle was around 7am when he asked her for water and to use the phone. McCluer said she gave Rolle the water, but denied him acess to the phone becuase it was “too early.”

About eight minutes later, she said, a suspect in the cell with Rolle called out to officers that Rolle “doesn’t look good.”

McCluer said when she went in the cell she discovered him lying on the bench appearing lifeless. She said she checked his pulse and checked to see if he were breathing. She then administered CPR using chest compressions.

She said she was “shocked” Rolle died because he appeared to be fine moments before.

McCluer also said she was unaware that Rolle was “beaten” hours before. She said he never complained about being in pain or asked for any help.

Sergeant Robert McKenzie also testified that he also performed CPR on Rolle by instructions of the Emergency Services Personnel.

Sergeant Mckenzie said when he reported for duty at 11:30 Rolle appeared to be fine and made no complaints.

He said the next time he saw Rolle was when he performed CPR on him.

Mckenize admitted he has not performed CPR in over 10 years but said he “followed the instructions of the experts.”

He said he did about six chest compressions on Rolle and after the first one he heard Rolle “gasp for air about three times.”

Mckenize said he then put Rolle in the recovery postion and waited on the ambulance to arrive 20 minutes later.

The case is expected to continue at 10am today when the pathologist is expected to testify.