The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THE detective who initiated the investigation into Aaron Rolle’s death testified yesterday that there was no “bruising or swelling” on his body when she examined him.

Sergeant 2337 Donelle Brown, Serious Crimes Investigator at the Central Detective Unit, said she was called to the Southern Police Station on February 9 to investigate an “incident” that happened in a cell.

When she arrived she was escorted with a Crime Scene Investigation Team to cell No 3 where they saw the lifeless body of Rolle lying on the ground.

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.

Ms Brown said she visually examined Rolle’s body, including his face, chest, abdomen and back and noticed no bruising, swelling or visible injuries.

She said she also processed the scene and instructed the CSI team, to photograph the area and collect evidence.

Ms Brown said she also collected Rolle’s detention record, the duty roster and recorded statements from suspects who were also in custody at the time Rolle died. She then handed the file over for further investigation.

She said she did no further inquires in the case because her job was to initiate the investigation and not to complete it. Ms Brown admitted, however, that she did not write an official report for the incident until the day before she was to appear in court and she did not question the officer who admitted to “beating” Rolle, hours before his death.

She also admitted that she did not thoroughly read Rolle’s detention record and did not know until she “heard it in the media” that Rolle was beaten for allegedly attempting to escape.

Ms Galanos asked Ms Brown why in the initial incident complaint report did she describe Rolle’s death as “sudden.” “It is police procedure,” she replied. Ms Galanos then asked her if, knowing what she knows now, would she still describe Rolle’s death as sudden. “As far as I know, it is still a sudden death,” she said.

Ms Galanos also asked Ms Brown if she was told by any of the other suspects that Rolle was in pain or if he complained about being beaten. Ms Brown said one of the suspects said Rolle indicated he was in pain, but she could not recall if anyone told her Rolle was beaten.

The case is expected to continue at 10am on April 9 when the pathologist is expected to testify.