In the dark - Family of slain inmate wants answers

Family members of Christopher Hines, the man who was killed by another inmate inside the Negril lock-up in August, say they are yet to receive word from the police regarding the investigations into his death.

"We just inna di dark, we just don't know what to do. We no know where to turn. Nobody don't call or nothing, not even a police would call, or a bigger head," Tracey Sutton, a cousin of Hines, says WESTERN STAR.

She said that the only form of contact that has being made between the family and the police was when Hines' father was called to sign papers to give permission for the post-mortem.

When contacted, Assistant Commissioner of Police Wray Palmer, head of the Inspectorate Division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, told WESTERN STAR that a file has been prepared and sent to the director of public prosecutions. He said the police are awaiting a ruling from her to decide whether charges should be laid against an inmate who is alleged to have inflicted the wounds on Hines. Palmer also said an internal investigation is on the way to determine if officers at the lock-up may be liable for sanctions.

"A few things have been done. There have been a management shake-up at that station. In terms of the searches, we have stepped up on them," he said.