Laventille family calls for independent autopsy

The family was told by the Forensic Science Centre that it would not be possible for other persons to perform autopsies.

According to a letter from the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre, the consent of the pathologist performing the autopsy must be obtained to have someone else witness the procedure. And such permission would not be granted until the body is released from the centre.

The family is calling for justice because they believe that Kendell was shot and killed by police officers.

Hamilton, also known as "Soup," was standing near his aunt’s gate at Fatima Extension, St Barb’s, when gunfire erupted. Police officers had responded to reports of gang shooting in the area. When the police arrived on the scene, they were reportedly greeted by gunfire. The officers returned fire and Hamilton was found dead on the ground.

Conflicting versions of the incident have been reported, and Marvin Hamilton, Kendell’s brother, told Newsday he has no faith in the Police Service. He said his family would like a pathologist to represent the family at the autopsy. "I believe my brother was murdered! It doesn’t matter if he was good. If the police did that I want a full investigation in the matter," he said.

Kendell was a welder by trade and was known to be an inspiration to youths in the area.

Hamilton added that it was important to get evidence to clear his brother’s name. "The minister said he wanted to get rid of crooked cops, well this is a start," he disclosed.

A pathologist’s evidence would prove if Hamilton was dragged by police officers, if he was shot at close range, or if he had died while undergoing surgery at the hospital.

According to a press release from the Police Commissioner’s office, several conflicting reports surround the shooting death of Kendell Hamilton. The statement noted that, "Police officers patrolled Mentor Alley in Laventille at 11:40 am on August 9 when two men fired on the officers who returned fire. One man was wounded and a loaded firearm with ammunition and spent shells found beside his body. The other man ran off with a firearm. The injured gunman was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by DMO Dr Kissoon. The statement also noted that the Commissioner of Police Trevor Paul is hoping persons with information can call 800-TIPS.