Prisoner’s death probe heading for DPP

Police told Newsday yesterday that after the interview, a file comprising reports on witnesses’ account of an alleged police confrontation with Edwards would then be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Police sources said the inmate to be interviewed shared a cell with Edwards at the Point Fortin Police Station on the morning he was found dead. Police sources could not say when the homicide detectives will be visiting Golden Grove to conduct the interview with the inmate.

Edwards’ body was found on the floor of the cell around 6 am. He was scheduled to appear before a magistrate to answer drug trafficking charges. An autopsy performed on his body revealed that he died from multiple head injuries.

Edwards, 45, of Vance River, Guapo, was arrested by Guapo police for resisting arrest and possession of cocaine near his home two days before his death. The file contains statements from 53 persons, including 14 policemen, who have been attached to the Point Fortin and Guapo Police Stations. The policemen had a confrontation with Edwards outside his home in Guapo Village before he was taken to the Point Fortin Police Station. Police also obtained statements from villagers who witnessed Edwards’ arrest and prisoners who were in adjacent cells in the Point Fortin Police Station.

The DPP will study the filed reports and instruct investigating officers on what course of action to take. Insp Harry attached to the San Fernando Homicide Bureau, is heading the investigation.