(Trinidad Guardian) – Two police officers were charged yesterday in relation to shooting incidents at Rich Plain, Diego Martin, which resulted in the death of PC Clarence Gilkes.
On Friday 5th August 2022, Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard, SC, advised that No. 19257 PC Kristian Genty and No. 20920 WPC Crystal Williams-Bowman be jointly charged with shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and PC Kristian Genty be charged for the murder of PC Clarence Gilkes.
PC Kristian Genty , 28, of Diego Martin, and WPC Crystal Williams-Bowman, 30, of East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, were both on suspension and were last attached to the Western Division Task Force.
WPC Crystal Williams-Bowman was granted bail with a surety in the sum of $500,000 at the St Joseph Police Station by Justice of the Peace Stephen Young. Both accused are due to appear at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court on Monday 8th August 2022. On Friday 22nd April 2022, while at Upper Rich Plain Road, Diego Martin, PC Gilkes, PC Genty and WPC Williams-Bowman, who were all on duty and armed with Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) issued firearms allegedly approached a man and fired several shots at him. In so doing, PC Genty whilst firing shots at the man, allegedly shot PC Gilkes, who was conveyed to the St James Medical Health Facility where he succumbed to his injuries. In a response to the officers being charged, Acting Commissioner of Police, Mc Donald Jacob stated that he had previously given the public the assurance that the matter would be investigated thoroughly, and correct procedure would be followed.
He said he was satisfied that this was done, and he said he will keep the public informed about any other matters arising out of the investigation.
The Acting COP also thanked all the investigators who worked assiduously on the case. He added that officers of the Victim and Witness Support Unit and Social Work Unit will provide the necessary counsel and support needed to the officers and the families involved in this matter.
