As police await the results of ballistic tests to determine who inflicted the fatal wound to Kevin Batson, the Linden man who was killed after carrying out a robbery last week, his mother has said that eyewitnesses are pointing to law enforcers as being responsible.
As a result, Raynetta Valladares is calling for a thorough investigation to ensure justice for her son.
“Kevin and another boy went to some shop to do some robbery according to wah I hear and the man from the shop run out behind them and shoot Kevin…….He keep running. The people in the neighbourhood seh he run and lie down on the bush and put up he red bandana like he surrender to them and they still went and continue shooting at him. When he lie down, dah is when the police them go and shoot he,” Valladares told Stabroek News.
She said while she is not defending Batson’s actions, the police should have taken every action to ensure that he face the consequences of the law. “They could have allowed him to do his time,” Valladares added.
Batson, 22, a miner of 161 First Alley, Wismar, Linden, was allegedly shot at by a licensed firearm holder, whom he and another allegedly robbed of a quantity of cash and other valuables.
The robbery occurred around 2.30pm at Lot 432 One Mile, Linden where the victim, Herbert Campbell, popularly known as “Sadam,” operates a hardware store.
Investigations, the police had said revealed that Batson and his accomplice approached Campbell outside of his store and ordered a rake. They opted to pay before the item was delivered.
During the process, the police said that Batson allegedly drew a handgun after which he held Campbell at gunpoint and relieved him of his valuables.
Batson and his accomplice allegedly discharged a warning in the air before escaping.
“The suspects were shortly after pursued and confronted by the victim [Campbell] and another individual in a nearby street and the armed suspect began firing at the victim, who drew his licensed pistol and returned fire hitting the shooter but they managed to escape,” the police explained.
The police said they were summoned and they combed the area and found Batson “suddenly” emerging from the bush. They said he was pointing his right hand, which was wrapped with a red bandana, at the lawmen. The police said he was shot once to his right hip.
A search of his person revealed a cellphone, a sum of cash, a quantity of suspected cannabis and several other items belonging to Campbell.
According to the police, ranks acting on intelligence went to a house at Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden, where they apprehended Batson’s accomplice.
An unlicensed pistol with two rounds of live ammunition, a toque, gloves and several pieces of clothing with suspected bloodstains were found in his possession.
Regional Commander Hugh Winter told Stabroek News last Friday that Batson was initially shot by Campbell. “Afterwards, the police and him [Batson] had a confrontation and shots rang out,” he said.
Winter noted that investigators are awaiting on ballistic results which will determine who inflicted the deadly wound.
A post-mortem examination has revealed that he died as a result of multiple gunshot injuries.
Valladares disputed the claims that her son shot at the police. She said he was unarmed.
“…Everybody in the neighbourhood who saw it seh that Kevin didn’t shoot at no police but he hadn’t any gun. Kevin is the one who go in the shop like if he went fah buy according to the people and the next bai had the gun,” she said.
She also said her son’s actions has left her surprised since she would often speak to him and his siblings to guide them along the right path. “I am not saying that he was right to be there because I am so mad at him. I never know Kevin in them things. I surprised at this! Very, very surprised! I does preach to meh child! Everybody know! I does proper talk with them, all meh children,” Valladares noted.
She noted that Batson would often get involved in fights and arguments. He was never charged, she said. “The most he does involve in, always in a fight and a heated argument. Always arguing with somebody,” Valladares noted.
Batson moved from his mother’s home about two months ago. She said she last saw him weeks ago while he was liming with some friends in the community.
Valladares is hoping that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and justice will prevail since she cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. “….You gah pay lawyer and all ah dah and I am not financially stable right now to do that so I don’t know,” she said.
