Family claims police mistakenly killed man in Church Pen, Old Harbour

A police killing in the Church Pen community of Old Harbour early Tuesday morning is being disputed by relatives, who say the shooting of 29-year-old Shivnarine Saunders may have been a case of mistaken identity.

According to family members, Saunders was shot and killed by police at his home around 5:30 a.m. Relatives identified him as a resident of Church Pen.

Tamika McCloud, a cousin of Saunders, told reporters that members of the police team first visited the house on Monday night.

"They come about 7 o'clock last night and take picture from his ID and say they will come back," McCloud said.

She claimed the officers returned early Tuesday and forced open her sister's door, damaging furniture and clothing, before moving to Saunders' room. "Mi hear four shots and the police say no worry, him point gun at us but him never fire it," McCloud alleged.

According to her, Saunders had just returned from a party and was intoxicated when the officers entered with a crowbar. She also alleged that a female officer was verbally abusive when she questioned why Saunders had been shot.

McCloud said the officers later suggested that the incident may have involved mistaken identity. She is demanding justice for her cousin.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Saunders' death.

- Ruddy Mathison

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