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The Independent Commission of Inquiry (INDECOM) says it has no legal interest in the shooting death of Private First Class Ejay Domville, despite a statement yesterday from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) that the investigation into the soldier’s death lies with the INDECOM and the police.
Domville, 20, was reportedly assigned to a Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO) when he was shot in the face during a shootout with armed thugs in Denham Township, Kingston, last Friday.
When to contact The Gleaners Yesterday, INDECOM Commissioner Hugh Faulkner requested a copy of the JDF’s statement to the media.
“INDECOM has responded to reports of shooting by security forces… We went to the scene, including our forensic personnel. Preliminary investigations have been completed and the case appears to be a murder, which is a matter for the police,” Faulkner said after reviewing the JDF statement.
He said an early investigation by INDECOM did not find that security forces were responsible for the killing.
“In such cases, under the INDECOM Act, the police can investigate. Once there is a shooting, we respond and we do. If it is a civilian death and a joint JDF/JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) operation led to that death, then that is our duty,” he said.
JDF’s statement follows a report by Domville’s mother, Calisha Reynolds The Gleaners Yesterday, she claimed there was a lack of transparency surrounding her son’s death.
Reynolds said she did not believe her son was killed in a shootout with criminals and complained that the JDF did not confess to her, only expressed sympathy and sent someone to plan Domville’s funeral.
The Jamaica Defence Force said in a statement yesterday that members of the leadership of the Jamaica Regiment and Chaplaincy Department had met with the next of kin and other family members of the deceased to provide the necessary assistance.
“We would like to assure Pte Domville’s family and the public that we will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Independent Commission of Inquiry (INDECOM), who now have full responsibility for this matter. We are also conducting our own internal investigation to ensure that all facts are uncovered. It is important for us to be fully transparent about this unfortunate incident,” the JDF statement read.
The JDF said it acknowledged the concerns raised by the fallen soldier’s mother and was committed to working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure they were addressed in a timely manner.
JDF said: “Arrangements have been made to ensure Ms Reynolds is present for the post-mortem examination and ongoing communication will be maintained to ensure she is informed throughout the process.”
Thus, the IDF also acknowledged public concerns that Domville’s death might have been caused by cannibalism (i.e. accidentally killing one’s own troops in battle).
“We acknowledge that the complexity of a firefight, the force of the threat, and split-second decision-making increase the likelihood of an incident. However, our pre-deployment training focuses on minimizing the risk of fratricide and ensuring the safety and well-being of our service members during a firefight.”
Meanwhile, investigators with the West Kingston Police Department yesterday named two men from the Chestnut Lane area as suspects in connection with Domville’s death.
The two men have not yet been charged and are not listed as suspects in the case. Police ask them to report to the Denham Township Police Station before 6 p.m. today.
Police said the investigation is ongoing.
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