Westmoreland, Jamaica – After more than a decade of delays, the trial of three police officers charged in connection with the 2014 beating death of 31-year-old Mario Deane is set to commence on Tuesday.
The trial date was confirmed after seven jurors were empanelled during Monday’s session at the Westmoreland Circuit Court. The jury comprises four women and three men.
Supreme Court Justice Courtney Daye expressed his satisfaction with the large turnout of prospective jurors, with a total of 56 individuals answering the summons. “A credit to the jury system as all served answered the summons,” stated Justice Daye, who added, “I am happy that I did not have to fine anyone.”
Despite previous delays caused by insufficient jurors, which led to the case being transferred from the St James Circuit Court last year, the trial is now set to begin. Justice Daye noted that he had another case to address on Monday afternoon, thus setting the trial start date for Tuesday.
The three officers on trial are Corporal Elaine Stewart and Constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant. They face charges of manslaughter, perverting the course of justice, and misconduct in a public office.
The incident stems from Deane’s arrest for possession of a ganja spliff and his subsequent placement in custody. On August 3, 2014, Deane was brutally beaten, sustaining severe brain injuries that left him in a coma. He died three days later at Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James.
It is alleged that Corporal Stewart and the two constables were on duty at the police station during the attack and that Stewart instructed the cell to be cleaned before investigators from the Independent Commission of Investigations arrived.
