Family demands justice for Andrew Richards

Overwhelmed by grief and devastation, Andrew Richards' family is calling on Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake to initiate a high-level probe into the circumstances surrounding his fatal shooting by the police last Friday.

Richards was fatally shot during a pre-dawn operation in Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew. Stung by his death, his family members are urging the commissioner to ensure a transparent and independent investigation and hold those responsible for the killing accountable, if misconduct is found.

"It is critical to know that Andrew was not a criminal, and he had no access to weapons, legal or illegal. He voluntarily granted the police officers access to his home. His cooperation demonstrated his respect for law and order and the justice system. This shows that he was not a threat, and underscores that there was no justification for the use of deadly force," said his aunt, Kerry-Ann Thomas.

The police said that a Taurus 9mm pistol containing six 9mm rounds of ammunition was seized at the scene of the incident. However, no details of the encounter was reported by the force's Corporate Communications Network. The Independent Commission of Investigations, as per its mandate, is now probing the incident.

Thomas recounted hearing a knock on her window before dawn, which she later realised was made by police officers.

"I heard a knocking at my window and heard, 'Police, open up.' I slightly opened my door and asked what was the matter, and they told me they were here to search. I told them no gunman was here and it was just me, my daughter, and my little nephew. I let them in, and they searched for about three minutes and then went to my brother's house. After that, they went to Andrew's house, which is located in the middle," she said.

Thomas said that shortly after, she heard three gunshots but did not realise her nephew had been shot.

"After the shots, I looked through my window and saw them talking to his girlfriend, asking what he did for a living. I didn't know he was dead. I thought he wasn't home. It was more than an hour later, after hearing my cousin scream, that I realised Andrew was killed," she said.

Thomas described Richards as a peaceful and hard-working man with no history of criminal behaviour.

"Andrew was not a criminal nor a troublemaker. He didn't have a legal or illegal gun ... . He was a peacemaker and the type who would lock his shop early. He didn't even sell cigarette at the shop. When the police came, he was the one who opened the door and let them in and even turn on the lights. It was not a shoot-out," Thomas said.

She urged the authorities to strengthen police protocols, stating, "Andrew's death must serve as a painful reminder of the importance of restraint, accountability, and respect for the sanctity of life."

- S.M.L.