HYLTON
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE FAMILIES of the two elderly men who were killed two years ago in a controversial police shooting in Flankers, St James, could receive a settlement from the Government early next year.
Solicitor General, Michael Hylton, told The Gleaner-Power 106 News yesterday that an out-of-court settlement should be reached shortly with attorneys representing the families of 63-year-old taxi operator David Bacchas and 65-year-old newspaper vendor, Cecil Brown.
VERY CLOSE TO A SETTLEMENT
"We've always taken the position that this was a matter that ought to be settled, and we have been in discussion with the families' attorneys. I think that we are very close to a settlement and we should be able to announce so very early in the New Year," stated Mr. Hylton.
He added that "there needs to be a final discussion ... there's just some detail as to time to be resolved, but we are clear on the amount for example."
The senior citizens were killed during a police operation in Flankers on the morning of October 25, 2003. The police contended that the men were shot in a crossfire as they engaged gunmen in a shootout. However, residents refuted the reports and maintained that there was no gun battle.
A third senior citizen, Audrey Stephens, was shot and injured in the incident.
The police's account of the incident earned the wrath of residents, who strongly denied the claim of a shoot-out and staged a violent two-day protest.
When contacted yesterday, widow Geneva Bacchas said she had no detail on the negotiations and referred the newspaper to her lawyer, Oswald James. However up to press time, Mr. James was not available for comment.
In August, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) ruled that the six policemen each face two counts of murder and one count of wounding with intent in connection with the incident.
The ruling followed a public outcry and a lengthy probe, which saw Scotland Yard detectives assisting in unravelling evidence in the matter.
The accused cops are Special Constable Metro McFarlane, Constables Kevin Williams, Kadian Smith, Donald Thomas and Woman Constable Bibzie Foster. They will stand trial next year.
