The Jamaica Constabulary Force has offered to provide assistance to the relatives of 71-year-old Edward Morgan, who was one of two men killed by the police under questionable circumstances Tuesday night, in the rural district of Glengoffe, St. Catherine.

"We have committed ourselves to offer whatever help we can at this time to the family of Mr. Morgan, who was an innocent bystander," Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas told The Gleaner yesterday.

Head of Area Five, Assistant Commissioner Reggie Grant, said two superintendents have been charged with the responsibility of leading the discussion with the residents and, in particular, Mr. Morgan's relatives.

Other family in question

While not ruling out the possibility of offering financial assistance to the relatives of the other victim, Samm Austin, Commissioner Thomas said he was still unsure about of what had transpired between Mr. Austin and the police party. Also known as 'Lightning', Mr. Austin reportedly hailed from the neighbouring parish of St. Mary.

According to the initial police report, members of a police party were conversing with a motorist on a roadway in Big Square, Glengoffe, when Mr. Austin, who was said to have been mentally challenged, allegedly attacked one of the lawmen with a machete. The policeman took evasive action, but was again attacked and he opened fire, hitting Austin. During the incident, Mr. Morgan, who was standing nearby, was shot. Both men died on the spot.

The shooting sparked a mass protest by residents who claimed that both men were killed in cold blood by the police. The policemen involved in the shooting have since been removed from front-line duties.