Two cops charged with murder over Windward Road triple shooting

Two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have been charged for the shooting deaths of two men and a teen boy along Windward Road in Kingston earlier this month.

Fatally shot were 17-year-old Oshane Stubbs, 19-year-old Orando Campbell and 20-year-old Kayshawn Smith.

Corporal Mark Roye and Constable Kelby White are jointly charged with three counts of murder, three counts of using a firearm to commit a felony, and discharge of firearm in a public place.

They are also jointly charged with two counts of perverting the course of justice.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) says the ruling from the Office of the Director of the Public Prosecutions (ODPP) noted the issues of making a false report and planting/ placing, inferring the finding of an object (firearm) at the scene.

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The ODPP ruled that Roye and White should be charged for the offence of wilfully making a false statement to an investigator contrary to Section 33 of the Independent Commission of Investigations Act.

The cops were charged on Sunday and are expected to be placed before the court this week.

The incident happened on November 10.

INDECOM says the cops had reported that they were engaged in an alleged shootout and that two firearms were allegedly recovered during the incident.

No body worn cameras were issued or worn by the police officers, the agency noted.

INDECOM noted that significant evidence was uncovered during its early investigative actions, which necessitated seeking the assistance of the JCF.

Under the law, INDECOM is required to engage the JCF to effect any arrest of any law enforcement officer or agent of the State.

INDECOM's Investigative Team have primary investigative responsibility of this incident.

On November 12, INDECOM formally wrote to the JCF requesting the arrest and detention of two of its members who were involved in the triple fatal shooting on November 10.

The JCF advised INDECOM on Wednesday, November 13 that the request of the commission was completed, indicating that the two officers will be detained pending a Judges' Rule interview by INDECOM investigators.

INDECOM recognises and acknowledges that there has been the fullest cooperation and expeditious action by the High Command of the JCF and the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB).