INDECOM appeals for witnesses in fatal police shooting of woman in St James

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the fatal police shooting of a woman in Granville, St James on Sunday to come forward with information as investigations continue into the incident.

The woman has been identified as 45-year-old Latoya Bulgin, otherwise called ‘Buju’.

In a statement on Monday, INDECOM said it had noted the viral circulation of CCTV footage relating to the fatal shooting.

The commission said it was notified of the incident and responded independently to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

According to INDECOM, the emergence of video evidence captured by citizens in incidents involving the use of force by law enforcement continues to highlight the importance of technology and independent visual documentation in modern policing oversight.

The commission said such footage is often critical in providing context and perspective regarding the sequence of actions of both law enforcement officers and civilians before, during and after an incident.

It said the footage assists investigators in assessing the conduct of all parties involved, as well as the necessity and proportionality of the use of force.

INDECOM further noted that video footage also provides the Police High Command with an enhanced ability to make timely administrative and operational decisions following such incidents, including determinations relating to officer deployment, frontline assignments and other supervisory actions pending the outcome of investigations.

However, the commission stressed that while video recordings may capture significant aspects of an incident, investigations require a comprehensive assessment of all available evidence, including official statements and witness accounts.

As a result, INDECOM is urging members of the public who may have witnessed any part of the incident, including persons travelling in the vehicle being driven by Bulgin, to contact the commission.

The agency said any information or additional video footage relevant to the investigation remains critical in uncovering all the facts surrounding the shooting.

INDECOM disclosed that no body-worn cameras were issued to or worn by the three police officers who were reportedly conducting crowd control duties during a protest at the time of the fatal shooting.

The commission also revealed that Bulgin’s death has increased the number of persons fatally shot by members of the security forces in May to 15, including the double fatal police shooting in Hague, Trelawny on May 16.

Year to date, 130 people have reportedly been shot and killed by the security forces, compared to 129 for the corresponding period in 2025, INDECOM stated.

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