Concerns raised in death of Picard man

Behanzin pointed out some concerns in the death of Etienne
Behanzin pointed out some concerns in the death of Etienne

The relocation of the Portsmouth Police Station, witness protection, preservation of evidence are some of the areas that need addressing immediately in the death of a Picard man.

Attorney at law Tyhani Behanzin, who is representing the family of Joshua Etienne who died in police custody, made the comments at a press conference on Monday.

He pointed out that the family is “increasingly concerned” as the investigations go on.

“The family is becoming increasingly concerned as to what is unfolding slowly here,” Behanzin said. “Now, in these kinds of matters events unfold very, very quickly. The window of opportunity is probably 24 hours or so after the event. So we were very concerned as to what evidence is picked up, how it is preserved to ensure that there is no prejudice to any criminal investigation.”

He pointed out that there are number of witnesses, who he said hold “crucial evidence” the police are yet to interview.

Behanzin noted there is a level of concern over the safety of witnesses.

“We are calling for the police service, the government of Dominica, the minister responsible for national security, to make arrangements to secure witness who we have identified to the police so that they could give the information that they have which we believe are pertinent,” he stated. “We are concerned about their safety.”

Etienne's family at the press conference
Etienne’s family at the press conference

He said some witnesses have been threatened.

“And the first concern that I have is this, we have identified 10 witnesses, one of which have given evidence already has been threatened and in fact there were attempts to beat him outside the police station, and the others are reluctant to give evidence because of the fear, some have been threatened,” he said.

He is also calling on commanders at the station to be relieved of their duties.

“The Portsmouth Police Station should be seen as a scene of crime and arrangements should be made another place to be used in the interim until a full investigation is made,” he noted. “The tools or appliances allegedly used in the attack should be secured…”

The attorney noted that he understands that some of the officers who were being questioned have been released and have been allowed to return to the police station.

“And the first concern that I have is this, we have identified 10 witnesses, one of which have given evidence already has been threatened and in fact there were attempts to beat him outside the police station, and the others are reluctant to give evidence because of the fear, some have been threatened,” he said.

He also mentioned that the Police should ensure that when there are complaints of brutality those responsible should be removed to desk duty or suspended immediately.

 Etienne “seemingly lifeless” body was found in his cell at the Portsmouth Police Station, where he was being held, at around 5:00 am on August 5.

He was pronounced dead by a district medical officer.

He was arrested on August 4, at around 9:30 pm in Glanvillia for the alleged possession of ammunition.

 

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26 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    August 13, 2014

    The reason such nonsense is taking place is the Average Dominican don’t stand up for their rights even when they are abused or under payed by their employers Dominican blow a lot of hot air but never stand in solidarity when the need arise they are too dependant on the govetment of the hour for there basic need so the present administration continue to pee in their eye and call it rain!High time the masses take a stand and rally round what is righ

  2. punish
    August 12, 2014

    I was not there, but common sense would tell you, if I healthy person was arrested and in less than one day, he or she is dead, Red Flag. If they take the law in their own hands, they should be punished. If the person who died was had to apprehend, all they had to do is call for back up. I know Gemma, she think she is more than a man, even though she is a woman. She is a wicked girl, she is not a Louis. Her family, all of them is mad or wicked. Please, the dead mans family, please do your research.

  3. Anonymous
    August 12, 2014

    It seems that only in DA them things can go on. Charges cannot be read, investigation imposingly still going on, and the crime scene …. hopefully it has been investigated satisfactorily!!!!! Very legitimate concerns and to see that the case cannot call in Portsmouth magistrate court for its inconvenience in that matter. Now the Police Welfare Assoc. has confirmed via a meeting held on August 11, 2014 that there is “overwhelming support for the officers concerned” and have “agreed to stand by their side and support them through their ordeal”. Is the PWA supporting the atrocities committed … allegedly by their members seeing that they now face the courts. Did the Chief of Police not say it was Homicide and from the onset it has been treated as such to the point that the autopsy has confirmed the worse. I guess the fund is to subliminally show just that. Nice speculation when one considers that the PWA might be saying no Chief you wrong, we not in no homicide thing with you!!!!!!!!!!!!

  4. Anonymous
    August 12, 2014

    I think the family should change there lawyer because mister will mess up those people case. Mister talking to much and have no wisdom.

  5. Righteous
    August 12, 2014

    @Red Cap Label how long do you suggest that the station be sealed of as a crime scene? Probably due to the unfolding investigation, the alleged crime wasn’t committed at the Police Station. The fact that Behanzin is saying that there are 10 witnesses who are willing to come forward that haven’t been interviewed by the police at this moment may indicate that they saw something outside of the Station, or were they in the cell/station themselves. Fear for their safety from who/what. These people are acting like the police is a criminal organization. While we acknowledge that there are indeed corrupt cops in the police force, for the most part the police force have good cops. They may not be equipped to handle certain situations, but that is due to no fault of theirs. We need a better trained forensic team, csi team, interrogation team etc. Too many murderers and drug dealers are getting away with crimes so if there was no evidence a crime being committed then maybe the cops will get away as well. What is good for the Goose may indeed be good for he Gander. A good lawyer may argue that the young man was in an altercation before he was arrested and hence he suffered injuries from that altercation which ultimately lead to his death. An argument for negligence at best. Let us see how this one unfolds.

    One Love Dominicans!!!!

  6. WAKE UP MY PEOPLE!
    August 12, 2014

    Mr. Behanzin makes a lot of sence.

    Take hid my people! Where the Minister of National Security !? Where is he!?

  7. Anonymous
    August 12, 2014

    Crime scenes are usually isolated but in that case it is not thereby allowing evidence to be tampered with. What a shame!

  8. Tall is her body
    August 12, 2014

    To get to the bottom of this man’s death an independent inquire needs to be commissioned…do one really expect the “brotherhood” to go against each other….evidence will be lost, will be tainted…This is the time the OECS governments needs to come as one state and let the hearing be heard in a different OECS country… a different jury pool…. police protect in a different country….these are laws that should be in place, because we never know when either one of us is going to need it…..Yes it’s going to take money but are we going to continue to wait untill it happens to one of us??…

    • Tall is her body
      August 12, 2014

      To get to the bottom of this man’s death an independent inquire needs to be commissioned…do one really expect the “brotherhood” to go against each other….evidence will be lost, will be tainted…This is the time the OECS governments needs to come as one state and let the hearing be heard in a different OECS country… a different jury pool…. police protection in a different country….these are laws that should be in place, because we never know when either one of us is going to need it…..Yes it’s going to take money but are we going to continue to wait untill it happens to one of us??…

  9. ....
    August 12, 2014

    Keep the fight alive, don’t give them a chance to cover it up keep it in the media….more coverage means the less they will get away with. Police brutality is something that has been going on for awhile and this is our only chance to put a stop to it. We should cease this opportunity. Not because someone makes a mistake or you arrest them it gives you the right to treat them like an animal an torture them for information.

  10. RED CAP LABEL
    August 12, 2014

    On Friday August 8, 2014, did we not all hear police chief Daniel Carbon utter these words on DBS Radio “He told state-owned DBS Radio that from the beginning the police have been treating the matter as a homicide”? Also, after the autopsy did he not also say that the results “confirmed the worst”? Did he not also say that “Justice has to be swift,” “What is good for the goose, is good for the gander. I have absolutely no cover up in this matter”? Mr. Carbon, are you still keeping your words or you need to make some corrections sir? Also sir, if according to you “autopsy confirmed the worse” then why is the Portsmouth Police station, where the alleged crime was committed is still business as usual? Why is the station not sealed as a crime scene? Why are other officers stationed at the said station at time of the alleged crime still made to continue with normal duties?

    • Mr biggs
      August 12, 2014

      retarded lol go and work na

    • CITIZEN
      August 12, 2014

      Totally agree. Good questions!!

    • The Facts
      August 12, 2014

      You are joking. Do you expect the police station to close? The area outside of the room where the man was found could be sealed but not the entire police station. You are not referring to a house/building or a street corner/area.

      • The Facts
        August 12, 2014

        Some people like to emulate progressive countries in the case of buildings which are not police stations.
        This is a police station. Work must go on in a police station.

    • Forever Amber
      August 13, 2014

      I wouldn’t be surprised if Commissioner Carbon is replaced. He may have spoken out of turn. If that happens, then dictatorship is upon us. Let’s wait and see.

  11. change is a must!
    August 12, 2014

    give it to them behanzin.they too like to sweep things under the mat.that is very serious and justice IS GOING TO BE SERVED FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL IN DOMINICA!BONDIE….

  12. practitioner
    August 12, 2014

    Maybe the government should put in place provisions for the public to start arming themselves. Don’t seem like there is any protection for civilians. The contracted protectors (the police) seem to be acting like an all out terror gang.

  13. a lonely voice
    August 12, 2014

    alas papa bondieu… i feel for this dead man and his family! i would not wish it upon my own enemy. Let the wheels of justice turn. This man was a human being and should be treated as one regardless of the path he took in life. No one should have to be subjected the such brutal beatings. Alas i’m in tears and there is a lump in my throat. I cannot even imagine the horrible pain that this man felt and no one came to his aid. LORD JESUS!!!!!! Where is our conscience? Remember…….. whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers; that you do unto me!

  14. LABAR DABAR
    August 12, 2014

    admin. this news article was published very fast and I say hats off to your news crew, but the shooting of deny shillingford.

    • LABAR DABAR
      August 12, 2014

      could be published to

  15. Lougaoo Mem
    August 12, 2014

    Attorney Behanzin is correct on the subject matter. Now it is clear to the public where our country is going. For those in authority to say that the police did everything in good faith, is a pretext to cover-up what really happened on that unfortunate night in the Portsmouth Police Station.

    The incompetent AG should immediately step down because he continues to demonstrate that he’s incapable of the position he’s in. Minister of legal affairs, Hon Ian Douglas, should also step aside and understand that Dominica is bigger than the partisan politics he promotes which is severely destroying his district and nation at large.

  16. Take note DNO
    August 12, 2014

    This line “And the first concern that I have is this, we have identified 10 witnesses, one of which have given evidence already has been threatened and in fact there were attempts to beat him outside the police station, and the others are reluctant to give evidence because of the fear, some have been threatened,” he said.

    Is repeated twice. I believe this is an error.

  17. king kong
    August 12, 2014

    Mr behanzin do your job and defend your clients and let the investigators, the government, the chief of police and God do their work. Donkey has no right in horse race!!

  18. shaka zulu
    August 12, 2014

    Can someone tell me what is the role off the police service commission in all this. Do they have any power to surmon the commissioner and question him on the latest and previous incidents of brutality that has already cost the state hundreds of thousands and potentially millions. Can they make recommendations?

  19. Cza
    August 12, 2014

    Stupes well beat them police ner. Them man der just power hungry but they know who to play with an who not to

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