Two policemen and ex-cop charged for fatal shooting in Denham Town, each granted $500,000 bail

Two policemen and an ex-cop who tried to flee Jamaica have been charged with the shooting death of a man in Denham Town, Kingston, and have each been granted $500,000 bail with one to two sureties.

Charged with murder are Constables Delano Stewart and Javaun Francis, as well as ex-constable Odain Williams.

The case was heard in the Home Circuit Court today after being transferred from the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Reporting conditions were imposed as part of their bail.

The three men are charged in connection with the death of Nicholas Miller in an "on-duty shooting incident" on Wellington Street in the west Kingston community of Denham Town on September 6, 2023, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) disclosed today.

INDECOM has oversight responsibility for the security forces and correctional officers.

The police reported that Miller was fatally shot during their pursuit of robbers travelling in a black motor car.

However, eyewitnesses have refuted the police's claim that Miller was involved.

The shooting was investigated by INDECOM, and a file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for a ruling.

The oversight body said that after the ruling was received, a request was made for the three men to be placed on the Jamaica Watch List pending their joint court appearance, which was scheduled for today.

However, the case was discontinued in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court after prosecutors entered a nolle prosequi and subsequently transferred it to the Home Circuit Court on a voluntary bill of indictment.

Williams, who was caught attempting to board a departing flight on July 21, has been remanded.

All three men are to return to court on Friday.

The case brings to 68 the total number of law enforcement personnel charged with criminal offences since January 2024 in relation to incidents investigated by INDECOM, according to data published by the oversight body.

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.