File on McLeod’s death due today

SENIOR policemen investigating the death of Shaun McLeod - who according to an autopsy died from blunt trauma to his head while in police custody - have not yet completed the file which has been ordered by Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Everald Snaggs.

A senior officer told Newsday yesterday statements were still being taken from witnesses and it was not known for certain whether the file would be completed today as per CoP Snaggs’ instructions. Snaggs ordered senior officers of Homcide Bureau to undertake a full-scale investigation into all circumstances surrounding McLeod’s death. The case file was expected to be submitted to the CoP today. McLeod, 23, of South Oropouche, was arrested by police for using obscene language, at Library Corner, San Fernando, last Friday. Eyewitnesses claimed that the father of one was beaten by the police and taken away in the jeep. Less than a half an hour later, McLeod was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The police claimed that the man had collapsed while at the police station.

Investigators have information that McLeod had been drinking alcohol while taking medication on the night of the incident. At least one eyewitness had initially given a statement to police stating that he did not see the police beating McLeod. In the statement, he did not mention seeing the police offices attempting to handcuff McLeod to a lamp post. Statements will also be taken from the four officers - a corporal and three constables - who are still on duty. Meanwhile a simple funeral service will be held at McLeod’s home at Kroomen Settlement then to the Oropouche RC Church before he is laid to rest at the Oropouche Cemetery. ASP Ruthven Paul is spearheading investigations into the incident.