Police Deny Abusing Rushane Barnett While In Custody
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Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth from the St. Andrew Central Police Division has publicly dismissed the alleged claims made by Rushane Barnett that he was abused while in the custody of police officers at the Half Way Tree Police Station.
According to The Weekend Star, the Superintendent said an interview was recently conducted with the accused and in this, Barnett confirmed that he was not abused by any of the officers while in lock-up. However, he stated that the 23-year-old did disclose that he was threatened to be beaten by an officer, but this was never done.
He further said that Barnett said that he had told the judge that it is an injury that he sustained 10 years ago that still affects him today.
During Barnett’s first court appearance in the Home Circuit Court on Wednesday, June 28, he told Justice Leighton Pusey that he was threatened, physically abused, and refused medical assistance by the officers while in lock-up.
Consequently, an investigation was launched by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and the Commissioner, Hugh Faulkner disclosed that the accused was visited by investigators the day after, June 29, to conduct an interview and verify the alleged comments.
No further update on the findings of their investigation has been provided by INDECOM to date.
Rushane Barnett was charged with the murder of his cousin Kimesha Wright and her four children on Tuesday, June 21 at about 7:50 a.m. in the community of Cocoa Piece, Clarendon. The throats of the victims were reportedly slashed.
He is being represented by attorney-at-law Tamika Harris and is scheduled to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
The accused is remanded in custody until July 28, 2022.
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