BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) — A police officer has been charged with manslaughter following reports of his involvement in the shooting death of teenager three years ago.
The police report that Constable Zaviel Jeffers of the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force, was arrested and charged on Monday in connection with the death of Philo Wallace, 17.
In April last year, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Valston Graham, had advised the Police High Command that the constable should be charged. However, it took some time before the DPPs advice was acted upon. In the meantime community groups and the family of the slain youth were calling for justice to finally be carried out.
The DPP's recommendation was made despite the findings at the Coroner's Inquest in March 2016, when a five-member jury had determined that Wallace's shooting death was a “justifiable homicide.”
In October 2015, Philo Wallace, 17, attended a party at Enrique’s night club in Charlestown. It is alleged that an altercation ensued between him and an off-duty member of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force identified as Constable Jeffers. Wallace was shot in the chest that night as he ran toward the exit. He was rushed to the Alexander Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Jeffers, who had suffered an injury to his head, was identified as the individual who shot Wallace to the chest at close range and was off-duty at the time of the incident.
An inquest report was completed, which was to inquire who died, when they died and how they died. The inquest began in January 2016. Jurors met every Thursday and Friday until March 10. Dr. Henry Browne Q.C represented the Wallace family. Former Attorney General Jason Hamilton, along with attorneys Marsha Henderson and Vaughn Woodley, appeared on behalf of the police officer. In March, a five-member jury rendered 4-1 a justifiable homicide verdict in favor of Jeffers.
After the verdict was rendered, a court official previously told the Observer the verdict does not determine whether or not the officer is guilty or not. “He was not acquitted of any crime,” the unidentified official said.” It was an inquest [and] is not a criminal proceeding or a trial. The inquest was to inquire on who died, when they died and how they died.”
The official further stated that the DPP will determine whether or not to press charges and that decision will solely be up to the DPP after looking at the evidence. It was emphasized the inquest held at the magistrate court was “just an inquiry process.” According to the law, “all inquisitions and records of proceeding at any inquest shall be transmitted the Director of Public Prosecution within seven days of the inquest date.”
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