Inmate killed in police lock-up

The family of Rico Brevett is accusing the police of negligence following the death of their 25-year-old relative while in the Negril Police Station lock-up on March 19.

Brevett was stabbed in the chest, allegedly by an inmate. He was awaiting trial for assault.

The Independent Commission of Investigations said that based on a report from the police, Brevett and another inmate were housed in separate cells. They were both given permission to use the sanitary facilities. It is alleged that shortly afterward, there were screams for help, and the responding officers saw the inmate over Brevett, in an attacking position.

Metal jammer RECOVERED

Brevett was taken to the Sav-la-Mar Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A metal jammer was recovered from the incident scene.

A relative of Brevett told THE STAR that the same inmate attacked him earlier that day and the police did nothing to protect him.

"How can the police allow the same inmate to share bathroom facilities with Rico and they just had a major fight in the day?"

"It's like there is a black cloud over my head. Sometimes I feel upset and sometimes I feel sad. We are trying to cheer ourselves up because this is not an easy period for us," the relative said.