(Jamaica Gleaner) The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has ruled that four charges be laid against police Corporal Dwayne Smart, who is accused of killing 27-year-old Kay-Ann Lamont last Saturday in Yallahs Square, St Thomas. The mother of two was eight months pregnant.
Smart will be charged with murder, wounding with intent, assault, and illegal possession of firearm. The DPP’s recommendation follows the completion of a report on the incident by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
On Saturday, following an altercation with Kay-Ann in the Yallahs Square, the policeman reportedly shot her twice in the head, killing her on the spot.
He then reportedly shot her sister, Novia, and attempted to shoot their other sister, Shemean, who said she had to run and hide behind a market vendor.
An eyewitness claimed that had he not been restrained by a fellow policeman he would have probably killed all three sisters.
SISTER TERRIFIED
Novia has been hospitalised with a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, while Shemean told The Gleaner: “I am still in shock and terrified. I still can’t believe what happened.”
Shemean said the sisters were protesting the policeman’s treatment of Kay-Ann after she used indecent language in his presence and he attempted to arrest her but she resisted.
The policeman has been in custody pending the completion of INDECOM’s investigation.
The DPP said in light of the high publicity of the case, a voluntarily bill of indictment is to be entered to have the matter proceed directly to the Home Circuit Court. This means that no preliminary enquiry will be held at the St Thomas Resident Magistrate’s Court.
The DPP noted that the Michaelmas term of the Home Circuit Court opens on September 17.
