policeinvolvedshootings

Three officers involved in the killing of Azario Major learned that they will stand trial for manslaughter in his 2021 shooting death.

On Friday, Sergeant Antoine Sweeting, Sergeant Jamal Johnson and Corporal Deangelo Rolle were formally committed to stand trial on December 13, when they appeared before Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux.

They remain on $9,900 bail.

What’s an arraignment?

In the initial court appearance known as an arraignment, the presiding judge will formally announce the charges to the defendant.

During this critical phase of the judicial process, the officers charged with the crime hear the specific allegations against them.

The judge will call upon the accused by name, ensuring they understand the gravity of the situation. At this juncture, the accused must decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty.

Additionally, the judge informs the defendant of their fundamental right to legal representation.

Following these proceedings, the court considers the matter of bail. The judge holds the discretion to require bail as a condition for release or to waive it entirely, allowing the defendant to remain free without financial surety, pending trial.

What are the allegations?

Azario Major, 31 was killed on December 26, 2021, outside of a nightclub on Fire Trail Road. The officers implicated, alleged he pulled a gun after he was evicted from the building for disorderly conduct.

Major reportedly left in his vehicle but returned to the establishment with a gun. The officers shot him multiple times and he died on the scene. Forty-five bullet casings were recovered from the scene.

How did they get here?

The case received national attention when a US-based Bahamian vlogger circulated a video of the shooting, attempting to dismiss the claims by the police. Major’s family also hired a private investigator.

The jury in the Coroner’s court, more than a year ago, unanimously classified his death as manslaughter, though it can not determine criminal liability.

The officers fought back and requested that the Supreme Court overturn the Coroner’s Court ruling, citing pretrial publicity. However, it was unsuccessful since the officers had not yet been charged with a crime.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions with official responsibility for reviewing all rulings from the Coroner’s court, has now decided to prosecute the officers.

Another suspect attempted to shoot at police in Grand Bahama resulting in the suspect being shot in the arm, before running in bushes where he was found injured by a police firearm.

Police Commissioner revealed that the suspect shot at officers, shooting out the police vehicle’s windshield. Officers later found a 7.62 AK-47 assault rifle in the vehicle of the suspects.

This accounts for a recent spate of police-involved shootings that saw 21 incidents recorded for the year.

Though this latest incident did not end in a fatality, 13 police shootings ended in deaths, while 8 were non-fatal.

“Thirteen idiots crazy enough to pull gun on my officers. Officers will not sit by and let someone shoot at them,” he said.

In recent days, some in the public raised concerns about the recent increases in police-involved shootings, but Rolle assured that he will reveal the facts and is transparent in his dealings.

“Whatever the information is, we will make it public. I will not cover [anything]. The pressure is on me.”

He acknowledged specific concerns for 5 of the cases which are being investigated by an internal committee based on concerns raised by the public.

He said after the internal review, he will make recommendations to the coroner.

What did PM Davis say?

Prime Minister Philip Davis addressed the issue of police-involved shootings before Rolle came to the podium. Davis said he is talking to Rolle and is concerned that the incidents can affect the public’s confidence in the organization.

State of Play

In 2020, twenty police-involved shootings were recorded and 11 suspects died; and for 2019, thirteen cases are on record and 8 suspects died.

The Coroner’s Office has been slow in adjudicating these cases. There remains only one coroner.