Four prisoners charged with murder of inmate at Chapelton lockup

Four prisoners have been charged with murder in relation to the death of an inmate who died while in custody at the Chapelton Police Lockup in Clarendon on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as 33-year-old Rekema Bravo, a farmer of Iron Gate in Chapelton. 

Bravo is said to have suffered mental challenges. 

Those charged in connection with his death are 33-year-old Rushane Williams, of Sweeny district; 30-year-old Phillip Russell, a farmer of Trout Hall; Marlo Headley, 23, of Palmers Cross, May Pen; and  19-year-old Garrett Lindsay, unemployed of Rhoden Hall, all in Clarendon,

The police say the deceased was taken into custody last Saturday for the offences of malicious  destruction of property and assault at common law.

He was charged and offered bail, but was unable to take up his bail. He was subsequently placed in custody in a cell with five other prisoners, including the four accused.

According to the police, on Monday, June 3, about 3:15 a.m., a loud commotion sounding like a physical brawl was heard on the cell block. Officers rushed to the cells where they discovered Bravo face down, and breathing heavily in a pool of blood.

Bravo was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Bravo's uncle, Dudley Williams who spoke to journalists on Monday, criticised the police for placing his nephew in custody, citing the move as misguided, considering Bravo's mental condition.

Williams also expressed regret that no one had gone to bail Bravo when he was offered bail.

- Olivia Brown

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