Top cop appoints three to probe Laventille killing

The three officers are expected to submit their findings to the head of the Port-of-Spain Division, Snr Supt Errol Denoon.

Late Thursday, ASP Nizam Khan, Sgt Kenny McIntyre and acting Sgt Ajith Persad were mandated to carry out a thorough investigation into the killing.

The three officers, along with a police photographer and officers of the Crime Scenes Unit, returned to the scene of the killing yesterday.

They were greeted by placard bearing protestors and a large contingent of officers of the IATF who were searching the homes of relatives of Hamilton. The three investigators were still able to secure the cooperation of the people who witnessed the shooting death.

Tempers flared in St Barb’s yesterday during the IATF raids, and the officers left empty-handed.

Hamilton’s relatives claimed the police continue to unfairly target their family, and they feel that an attempt is being made to set up more of their relatives.

However, they welcomed the independent probe by three Port-of-Spain Division officers.

Yesterday, several witnesses were interviewed by the three officers.

The Hamilton family said yesterday that an autopsy on Kendell’s body is yet to be carried out because they have refused to identify the body. Angry relatives said they made a request to officials at the Forensic Science Centre for an independent pathologist to be present when the autopsy was being performed, but this request was turned down. The Hamilton family is awaiting the advice of their attorney before deciding on their next course of action.

Yesterday, investigators pleaded with the Hamilton family to put aside their fears and to ensure that the autopsy was carried out. They were assured that a thorough probe without any prejudice was being carried out.

Hamilton was shot dead on Tuesday near his aunt’s gateway at Fatima Extension, St Barb’s.

A number of people claimed that Hamilton was murdered, but the police are claiming they were fired on and returned fire.