By Anthony Henry

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched probes into two separate police fatal shooting incidents that occurred on December 1, leaving two men dead in Salt Spring, St James, and Scott’s Hall District in Castleton, St Mary.

The shootings bring the total number of people killed by the Security Forces this year to 282, including two fatalities so far in December. As of December 1, 2024, 169 people had been fatally shot by State agents, reflecting a 67 per cent increase year-on-year.

INDECOM also reports that from December 2024 to November 2025, there have been twelve consecutive months in which 20 or more people were shot and killed by the Security Forces.

In the St James incident, the deceased has been identified as 21-year-old Jodane James, otherwise called Sizzler. Police report that officers were executing a search warrant in Salt Spring to locate a man known by that alias. After a woman allowed them inside, officers searched the premises and reportedly encountered a man pointing a firearm at them. The police say they fired in response, and the man was later pronounced dead at hospital.

In the incident in Scott’s Hall, St Mary, police reported receiving information that a man with a gun was seen at a premises. The officers say the man failed to comply with instructions to drop the weapon and allegedly pointed the firearm at them. They fired in his direction, fatally wounding him. The deceased has not been formally identified but is known by the alias ‘Dodd’ or ‘Dadda’.

Police say one firearm was recovered in each incident. No body-worn camera was reported to have been worn by any of the officers involved.

INDECOM examined both scenes, processed and secured the evidentiary material, photographed and sealed the bodies, and collected gunshot residue samples from the hands of the deceased. The concerned officers were served with Section 21 Notices under the INDECOM Act, requiring them to submit statements or attend interviews.

The Commission is urging anyone with information, including photos or videos, to contact its office or share material via WhatsApp at (876) 553-0000, or by calling 876-968-1932 or 876-968-8875.