The family of 24-year-old Jerome Charles, one of two men killed in a police-involved shooting on January 5, is planning to sue the State over his death.
Charles and his friend, Andrew Campbell, 21, were shot by police officers at about 4.30 am on January 5 at Spring Valley, Mt Dor, in Champs Fleurs. Police claimed the two men, who they described as suspects, initiated a gunfight with officers on a search warrant exercise in the area.
However, Charles’ mother, Vanessa Charles, said the autopsy report showed that her son died from multiple gunshot wounds.
“It stated that he was shot multiple times and also that no gun residue was found on my son’s hands which proves that he did not have any gun on him and that he did not shoot at the police,” she said.
“So because of this my next step is to sue the state for killing my son. The police killed my son and I am going to sue the State. I have to get justice for my son.”
Campbell’s autopsy also showed that he died from multiple gunshot wounds.
A police report said the incident occurred while officers were on an intelligence-led search warrant exercise at around 4.30 am on January 5.
It said North Central Division Task Force–West (NCDTF-W) officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at a home in connection with recent shootings in Mt D’or when they were confronted by two armed men who allegedly shot at them.
The officers claimed they returned fire following the T&T Police Service use of force policy.
The gunmen attempted to escape but were found a short distance away with gunshot wounds. They were taken to the Eric Williams Medical Science Complex where they were pronounced dead on arrival.
The police said two firearms, an AK rifle with 18 rounds of 7.62 ammunition and a Glock 17 pistol with 17 rounds of nine-millimetre ammunition, were recovered at the scene.
The exercise was spearheaded by ACP Wayne Mystar, Snr. Supt. Ramphall, coordinated by Supt. Powder, Insp. Highly and directly supervised by Sgt. La Pierre, Ag Cpl. Forde, Ag Cpl. Superville, Ag Cpl. Gooding and other members of the NCDTF West, with support from officers of the NCDTF East, Northern Division Gang Unit, Tunapuna and St Joseph Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and TTPS Canine Unit.
Head of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West said an investigation has already been launched into the incident.
