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The post-mortem results for two prisoners who were killed while being transported by police personnel from Whitehouse to Savanna-La-Mar, Westmoreland has provided evidence which may dispute the lawmen claims that they acted in self-defence. Findings of the autopsy which was conducted last week Wednesday were presented to THE STAR by a medical source who believes that there are several loopholes in the reported circumstances which led to the demise of Ricardo Irons, 22, and 51-year-old Keith Mitchell.
According to the source who presented the information on terms of anonymity, the results seem to indicate that both men were shot at close range and both bodies had burn marks to the upper body.
Mitchell was shot four times while Irons' body had eight bullet wounds.
Interestingly, THE STAR understands that the men were still handcuffed at the time the post-mortem was done.
When THE STAR enquired into the matter and presented the details of the post-mortem to the Independent Commission of Investigations(INDECOM) who is investigating the incident, we were advised that the information available to them could not be divulged.
Senior Public Relations Officer at INDECOM, Neville Graham, told THE STAR that, "we are not prepared to share the findings of the post mortem as it is a part of an ongoing investigation."
Nonetheless, he assured THE STAR that his office is committed to unravelling the mystery surrounding the deaths of both men.
"As it regards the case of the death of the two prisoners, INDECOM has taken a very active interest...we are exploring all angles and are leaving no stones unturned," he reasoned.
He added, "We are seeking to interview all persons who were directly or indirectly connected to the case and that ultimately we want to get to the truth of this matter."
The STAR understands Information reaching THE STAR suggests that when the police vehicle transporting the men reached Belmont in the parish, the driver slowed down to negotiate potholes when Mitchell reportedly pulled a knife and stabbed the driver in the neck.
One of the police escorts then allegedly went to the assistance of her injured colleague which resulted in Mitchell being shot.
Irons then reportedly joined in on the assault of the police and was said to have used his handcuff to choke one of the female officers which resulted in him also being fatally shot.
Following the incident, the police officers involved were interdicted at the request of the Commissioner of police, Owen Ellington and have since been removed from front line duties as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, THE STAR understands that the ballistic report is still outstanding.
At the same time, Graham thinks that Indecom's investigations into the matter will prove helpful to repeal how police officers currently transport persons in their care.
"We are saying that we expect that our investigations or the results of our investigations will not only assist in arriving at the truth but departmentally should assist the police in how they transport prisoners and persons in custody."
