THE MARIO DEANE TRIAL: DAY 12
Forensic investigator unsure whether scene was secured
Published:Friday | April 4, 2025 | 12:08 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
A forensic examiner from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) admitted on Thursday that he could not confirm whether the Barnett Street Police Station cell, where Mario Deane was beaten on August 3, 2014, had been secured before his arrival.
Peter Parkinson, the agency’s chief crime scene examiner, made this admission during cross-examination in the trial of Corporal Elaine Stewart and Constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant, who are facing charges in connection with Deane’s death. Deane died three days after being beaten at the Barnett Street lock-up in Montego Bay, St James.
Parkinson presented photographs and video footage of his investigation at the cell, which took place on August 4, 2014, one day after the incident. He documented blood marks inside and outside the cell. However, during cross-examination by defence attorney Martyn Thomas, Parkinson admitted that he could not confirm whether the scene had been contaminated by others before he and other investigators arrived.
“Do you agree that the incident, which brought you to the Barnett Street Police Station, took place roughly 24 hours before you arrived?” asked attorney Thomas.
“Correct,” said Parkinson.
“Do you agree that between midday on August 3, 2014, and some time in the afternoon on August 4, 2014, you cannot tell what was happening at that crime scene?” asked Thomas.
“Correct,” Parkinson replied.
“The truth is you cannot say whether or not the substance that you photographed – that appeared to be Mario Deane’s blood – whether they formed part of your crime scene because you do not know when they got there and how they got there. Do you agree?” asked Thomas.
“Since I was not there, I cannot say,” Parkinson answered.
Additionally, Parkinson stated that he could not confirm whether other prisoners were in any of the cells at the facility at the time of his visit. He noted that the information he received before arriving related to the incident, not the condition of the crime scene.
Cross-examination will continue today, with Clevon’s lawyer, Dalton Reid, set to question Parkinson further.
Stewart, Clevon, and Grant are charged with manslaughter and misconduct in public office in connection with Deane’s death. Stewart is also charged with perverting the course of justice as she allegedly ordered the cleaning of the cell before INDECOM arrived.