Investigator found cell wet, blood-like substance in drain pipe, court told

WESTERN BUREAU:

The crime scene investigator who examined the Barnett Street Police Station cell where Mario Deane was beaten in August 2014 told the Westmoreland Circuit Court on Tuesday that he saw water on the floor and a blood-like substance in the cell block’s drain pipe.

District Constable Rickardo Evans was continuing his evidence-in-chief in the trial of Corporal Elaine Stewart and constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant, who are charged in connection with Deane’s death. The 31-year-old died at the Cornwall Regional Hospital on August 6, 2014, three days after be was beaten into a state of unconsciousness at the Montego Bay-based station.

“I noticed drain pipes protruding from the cell building, and I noticed a red substance – that appeared to be blood – coming from one of the drain pipes that was attached to the cell building. I was then shown cell number four [where Deane was beaten] … . The cell was wet on the floor, and it was glossy and water settled on it,” Evans testified.

The investigator said he photographed the scene, marking the blood-like substance near the drain pipe and blood spatter in the passageway with exhibit markers.

COP’S ORDER

It has been alleged that Stewart, the most senior of the three cops who is charged with perverting the course of justice, gave an order for the cell to be cleaned prior to the arrival of investigators from the Independent Commission of Investigations.

Evans noted that there were three drain pipes outside the cell block, but he could not tell which one was connected to Deane’s cell.

He further stated that he was given clothing items from inmates Marvin Orr, Adrian Morgan, and Damion Cargill, who were previously charged with Deane’s murder but deemed unfit to stand trial because of their mental condition.

High Court Justice Courtney Daye, who is presiding over the trial, said he would withhold his ruling on the prosecution’s application to admit photos into evidence, pending additional evidence that could connect the information. Defence lawyers Martyn Thomas and Dalton Reid objected to the photos, arguing they could prejudice the jury. Evans’ testimony was put on hold until an agreement is reached on the new evidence.

The trial will continue today with a new, unidentified witness.

Stewart, Clevon, and Grant are also charged with manslaughter and misconduct in a public office. All three were on duty at the station when Deane was beaten.

christopher.thomas@gleanerjm.com