Editorial

Police officer charged with murder in Westmoreland fatal shooting

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February 26, 2016 – The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) this morning formally laid charges on the member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) who fatally shot a civilian in Hatfield, Westmoreland.

Constable Rohan Bucknor, a police officer attached to the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station was charged with the murder of his brother, Mark St. Patrick Bernard.

He appeared before Resident Magistrate Icolyn Reid in Savanna-la-Mar Resident Magistrate’s Court where he was represented by attorney-at-law, Herwin Smart. Following an application made on his behalf, he was offered bail in the sum of $200,000 with one (1) to three (3) sureties. In relation bail conditions; he is to report to the Whithorn Police Station once per week; surrender his travel documents and a stop order has been placed on him at all ports.

Background

The incident occurred on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at approximately ‪4:30 p.m. and the dead man was identified as the brother of the concerned officer.

It was reported to the Commission by the Savanna-la-Mar police that Cons. Bucknor was visiting family in Hatfield when an argument developed between the brothers related to a SIM card. The argument escalated and the concerned officer discharged one round which hit Mr. Bernard in the head killing him. It was also reported that immediately after the incident, Cons. Bucknor drove away from the house and later went to the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station, where he turned himself in. He was taken into custody and subsequently transferred to another police station within the parish.

Next Court Date

The matter is set for mention on June 24, 2016.

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