News

INDECOM blames police in Keith Clarke probe

Debbie-Ann Wright, News Editor
The Gleaner/Power 106 News

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is blaming gaps in the records of the police for the inability of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to make a ruling in connection with the shooting death of businessman Keith Clarke.

This afternoon, DPP Paula Llewellyn said there was need for more information before she can make a ruling in connection with the May 2010 shooting death of the businessman at his Kirkland Heights home in St Andrew.

INDECOM, which prepared the case file submitted to the Office of the DPP, says it shares the concern expressed by the DPP.

Last month, the Office of DPP received a file from INDECOM for a ruling on the killing of Clarke by members of the Jamaica Defence Force.

Llewellyn then asked a team of two of her deputies and two Crown Counsels to review what she says was a voluminous file.

But this afternoon the DPP said she could not make a ruling at this time as there is need for further and better particulars concerning an important aspect of the matter which is yet to be furnished by the investigators.

Llewellyn says her office has requested that the outstanding material be furnished as soon as possible so that a ruling can be made in the matter.

Following the statement by the DPP, INDECOM said it too had sought clarification of the information provided by the Technical Services Department of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which had collected the initial evidence in the case.

INDECOM notes that those records were put together before October when it took over the case.

INDECOM also say it hopes Police Commissioner Owen Ellington, will intervene by issuing the relevant instructions to see that the matter is resolved in a timely manner.

The Commission says it will continue to dialogue with the office of the DPP to ensure that all investigative avenues are pursued and that the DPP receives sound evidence.

debbie-ann.wright@gleanerjm.com