INDECOM Investigates St James Police Operation That Left Four Men Dead

Four men were shot dead in Retirement, St James, on Wednesday morning during a police exercise targeting men believed to be connected to a recent murder in the parish.

The Independent Commission of Investigations confirmed to THE STAR that it has opened an inquiry into the deadly encounter. Early information indicates that security personnel were operating in the community when they were reportedly fired on, after which an alleged exchange of gunfire took place.

The names of the men killed have not yet been made public.

The incident followed a violent 24-hour period in which seven other men were killed in separate security-force operations across three parishes, bringing the number of fatal police shootings over that span to 11.

INDECOM said that, up to June 9, 143 people had been killed this year in shootings involving members of the security forces. Its investigators are expected to examine the scene, take statements, and review forensic material and other evidence. The police and INDECOM are both continuing their investigations.