INDECOM investigates 12 fatal police shootings in first 5 days of 2026
/ Our Today
administrator
The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has confirmed that 12 persons were shot and killed by members of the Security Forces in the first five days of 2026, following six separate incidents across the island.
On January 5, INDECOM responded to a triple fatal shooting in Manchester, which claimed the lives of Byron McDonald, 23; Teshawn Porteous, 26; and Rasheed Johnson, 19; as well as a single fatal shooting in Clarendon, in which the deceased has not yet been identified.
Earlier, on January 1, INDECOM began investigations into two separate triple fatal shootings in St. James and Westmoreland, and two single fatal shootings in Kingston. Those incidents claimed the lives of Shamar Turner, 29; Romaine Bowman, 4; Kevaun Martinez, 16; Desmond Dunkley, 24; Corel Wint, 44; Delano Leslie, 37; Romaine Campbell, 15; and Christopher Campbell.
Deputy Commissioner Yanique Taylor-Wellington expressed concern over the sharp increase in police-involved shootings. “INDECOM notes with concern the 65 per cent increase in fatal shootings in 2025 compared to 2024, and the troubling manner in which 2026 has commenced. In just five days, 12 persons have lost their lives at the hands of Security Forces. INDECOM will continue to investigate all incidents thoroughly, objectively, and neutrally, and will take appropriate action if any breaches of the law are identified,” she said.
According to INDECOM, eight firearms were recovered across the six incidents. No officers reportedly activated body-worn cameras during the fatal shootings; one officer said he could not activate his camera because he lacked the necessary clip.
All scenes were examined, evidential material processed, and the hands of the deceased swabbed for gunshot residue. Bodies were photographed and sealed pending post-mortem examinations. Officers involved have been served Section 21 Notices under the Independent Commission of Investigations Act, 2010, requiring statements and interviews.
INDECOM continues to encourage public participation in its investigations. Citizens with photos, videos, or other information related to these or other fatal shootings are urged to contact the Commission via WhatsApp at (876) 553-0000, at any regional office, or by calling 876-968-1932 or 876-968-8875.
Comments