96 people fatally shot by cops since start of year – INDECOM

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is reporting that two separate fatal police shootings within a 24-hour period has increased the number of fatal shootings by the security forces to 96 since the start of the year. 

The latest incidents, which resulted in the death or two men, occurred on April 15 and 16, 2025 in Cambridge, St Elizabeth, and Content Avenue off Waltham Park Road in St Andrew, respectively.

A statement from INDECOM on Wednesday identified the deceased as George Griffiths and Shaqcol Pounall.

“Each of the incidents was reported to INDECOM as an Area Fugitive Apprehension Team (AFAT) targeted operation, where the police teams were allegedly confronted by an armed man. 

“A total of two firearms were reported as recovered; one from each incident scene,” INDECOM reported.

The commission reported that the incident scene in St Elizabeth was examined and the evidential material recovered, processed and packaged. 

The hands of the deceased were swabbed for gunshot residue, and the body photographed and sealed, pending post mortem examination.  

Similar processing was carried out by INDECOM team relative to the St Andrew incident.

Initial accounts of the incident were provided by the concerned officers, and they were served with Section 21 Notices, pursuant to the Independent Commission of Investigations Act, 2010, to submit statements and attend interviews.

Meanwhile, the commission said 15 persons have died in shooting incidents involving the security forces so far in April.

INDECOM is urging witnesses to provide photos, videos, or information available in relation to these and other fatal shooting incidents. 

The information should be shared via INDECOM’s Whatsapp number 876-553-0000, or persons may visit or contact the office of the commission at 876-968-1932 or 876-968-8875