INDECOM not involved in probing JDF soldier’s death

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has indicated it has no legal interest in the shooting death of Private Ejay Domville despite a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) statement yesterday indicating that authority over the probe into the soldier’s death was with the commission and the police.

Domville, 20, was reportedly shot in the face during an alleged shoot-out with armed thugs last Friday in Denham Town, Kingston, where he was assigned to a zone of special operations (ZOSO).

When contacted by The Gleaner yesterday, INDECOM Commissioner Hugh Faulkner requested a copy of the JDF statement issued to the media.

“INDECOM had responded to a report of discharge of firearm by the security forces ... we went on the scene, including our forensic personnel. Initial investigations were done, and what seems to have been the case was a matter where a murder took place, which is a matter for the police,” Faulkner said after reviewing the JDF statement.

He said INDECOM’s early investigation did not point to a killing for which the security forces were the cause.

“In these instances, and consistent with the INDECOM Act, then the police can investigate. We would have responded once there is a discharge of firearm, which we did. If it was a civilian [who] had died and the JDF/JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force) jointly operated in causing that death, then it would be our mandate,” he said.

The JDF’s statement came after Domville’s mother, Calisha Reynolds, in a report published by The Gleaner yesterday, claimed there was a lack of transparency around the death of her son.

Reynolds said she did not believe that her son died in a shoot-out with criminals and complained that the JDF had not been upfront with her, only providing words of sympathy and assigning someone to plan Domville’s funeral.

In its statement yesterday. the JDF said members of the leadership of the Jamaica Regiment and the Chaplaincy Department had met with the next of kin and other family members to offer any assistance necessary.

“We want to assure Pte Domville’s family and the public that we are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), which now have full authority on the matter. We are also conducting our own internal investigation to ensure all facts are uncovered. It is very important to us that there is full transparency regarding this unfortunate event,” the JDF statement read.

The JDF said it acknowledged the concerns raised by the deceased soldier’s mother and committed to working with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that those concerns were addressed in a timely manner.

“Arrangements have been made to ensure Ms Reynolds is present at the autopsy, and we will maintain continuous communication to ensure she is informed throughout the process,” the JDF said.

Accordingly, the JDF also recognised the concerns expressed by the public regarding the possibility of Domville’s death being the result of fratricide, which is the accidental killing of one’s own forces in war.

“We acknowledge that the complexity of a shooting engagement with threat force and split-second decision-making can increase its likelihood. However, our pre-deployment training is focused on minimising the risk of fratricide and ensuring the safety and well-being of our service members during a firefight.”

In the meantime, investigators attached to the Western Kingston Police Division, yesterday, listed two men from the Chestnut Lane area as persons of interest in Domville’s death.

The men, who had not been charged or identified as suspects in the case, were asked to report to the Denham Town Police Station by 6 p.m. today.

The police said the probe is ongoing.

andre.williams@gleanerjm.com