The policeman who was arrested in connection with the death of James Nelson is still being questioned and investigators will soon be looking to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
A senior police officer told Stabroek News yesterday that the cop is under `open arrest’ and that investigators, were working to complete the file and send it for advice.
Nelson called `Jimmy’ who had a history of mental illness, was discovered dead in a cell at the station two Tuesdays ago and his son who was the first to see his body had told relatives that the man’s face and hands were swollen. In addition, there were marks on his hand and a gaping wound to the back of the head. The man’s wife had told Stabroek News that she believed he was beaten by police. However the police in their release had said that according to the information they received the 47-year-old Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara resident had been banging his head on the wall of the lock-ups.
However, relatives disputed that the man could have done this and pointed out that that did not account for the wounds he had anyway.
The police in a statement had said that the man was arrested a day earlier after he entered the compound of the Ministry of Home Affairs and began behaving disorderly, allegedly over money owed to him by a contractor who had sent him off the job.
He was spoken to by a Special Constabulary officer on duty but continued to behave in a disorderly manner and had to be restrained. The rank subsequently arrested him and handed him over to a police patrol that had been summoned.
He was place in a cell with 20 others but was discovered dead the following morning around 6:30 with a bruise over the right eye and a small cut over the left eye.
A post-mortem examination conducted by government pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh two days later revealed the man’s death resulted from haemorrhage and shock due to multiple injuries. However, no information was given as to where Nelson sustained the injuries.
Relatives were told he died from a ruptured spleen.
Acting Police Commissioner Henry Greene had told reporters last week after confirming the arrest that the detention was based on the reports from other persons and the belief that the policeman may have more information.
