WESTERN BUREAU:
THE DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ordered a coroner's inquest into the death of 19-year-old Ricardo 'Rico' Stewart, who was allegedly shot dead by a policeman in Green Island, Hanover six months ago.
Inspector Duane Wellington, head of administration at the Bureau of Special Investigations said the ruling was made two weeks ago and the case file sent to the Area One Headquarters which will pass it on to the local police.
"Usually, when there's not sufficient evidence in a matter to press criminal charges, the DPP will send it to the coroner's court for them (the jury) to decide the outcome," said Inspector Wellington.
Checks made at the Lucea Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday revealed the matter had not been listed for a hearing.
The allegations are that on August 25, about 5:30 a.m., a police party of six, including Stewart's step-father, District Constable Neville Campbell, went to Stewart's home and attempted to wake him. When he did not respond they sought the assistance of his mother, Joycelyn Guthrie.
Miss Guthrie later said she woke 'Rico' and, as she walked away, an explosion was heard. She said when she rushed to the bedroom she saw blood coming from his chest. The police reported 'Rico' attacked a member of the party with a machete and he was shot.
The shooting sparked a demonstration by about 300 residents resulting in the injury of a police corporal, damage to two service vehicles and the main road being blocked for several hours.
The residents, who claimed Stewart was killed in cold blood, said Stewart's mother and D/C Campbell had a 17-year relationship and for sometime were involved in frequent domestic disputes. On August 24, the couple had a fight when 'Rico' intervened and chided D/C Campbell for hitting his mother.
The residents accused Mr. Campbell of leading the police party to the house.
Following the incident, D/C Campbell was transferred from the Green Island Police Station and he was advised by the Hanover Police High Command to remove his personal belongings from the house he shared with Miss Guthrie.
Constable Liston Brackett, who allegedly fired the fatal bullet and is attached to the Green Island Police Station, was taken off front-line duties pending the outcome of the investigations.
