Stabroek News was told that based on a file prepared by the police, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended that an inquest be done to determine whether anyone is criminally liable for Watkins’ death.
It is unclear when the inquest will start, however, the findings upon its conclusion would be sent to the DPP for action.
Police had said that Watkins was fatally shot following a cutlass attack on two ranks stationed in ‘D’ Division. The shooting occurred in front of the man’s home.
Officers from the Leonora Police Station went to arrest Watkins, following reports of domestic violence and arson at Meten-Meer-Zorg and that he was making threats at Vergenoegen.
“Armed with two cutlasses and a knife, the suspect attacked Corporal 19364 Williams chopping him several times and Constable 21310 Solomon who went to aid Williams on his left hand,” police said, adding that Watkins was shot in the process and died before receiving medical attention at the Leonora Hospital. The ranks were referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital in “serious condition.”
Watkins’ niece, Nikita, following the shooting had recounted that he was not “in the right frame of mind” and that his behaviour prompted relatives to summon the police to “settle him.” She said that it was not the first time he had “acted up,” and she noted that he had threatened to torch a house. Watkins had mental issues and he was not on medication, she said.
Nikita recalled that the police came but were apparently waiting outside for others. She said when they arrived her uncle ran into the yard and locked the gate.
She said the police officer approached the gate holding a gun and Watkins, armed with a cutlass, ran towards the rank, who fired at him. She could not say if the round struck her uncle. From all indications, this infuriated Watkins, as he ran out onto the roadway. “One of the officers fell and then my uncle hit him and then he ran behind another one and then the officer shot him,” she had recounted.
According to her Watkins was shot in the leg, following which he raised his hands in surrender.
Relatives had told Stabroek News that in spite of this, Watkins was shot a second time.
Speaking to this newspaper recently, Watkins’ sister Colette Joseph said that her family has heard nothing from the police about the investigation. A few months prior, she had told this newspaper that the wheels of justice were turning too slowly.
Joseph said she had called police on one occasion and she was told that the file on the matter was with the DPP. She added that it was not her family that should be trying to find out what was happening with the investigation, arguing that the police force has a duty to keep them informed.
She said that she was told the rank who fired the fatal shot had been transferred from the police station.
According to Joseph, Watkins’ relatives want an inquest to be conducted and she was hopeful “something comes out of it.”
She said that the man’s family, especially one of his daughters who witnessed the killing, are not doing well. Joseph said that she is trying to cope and will at some point make another effort with the police.
