Man who died in Police custody suffered blunt force trauma to head – autopsy

Gavin Kennard Douglas, the man who died while in Police custody over the weekend, died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.

There were also reportedly visible marks of violence about his body.

An autopsy was performed on Monday morning.

Douglas, of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, had been arrested on Saturday in connection with an alleged armed robbery committed on Wednesday, October 28, at New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop.

According to Police Headquarters, Douglas was escorted to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station at approximately 11:36 hrs. At around midday, while being placed in the lockups, he reportedly became aggressive and resisted police ranks, who subsequently restrained him and placed him in the cell.

However, at approximately 12:45 hrs, ranks conducting checks reportedly discovered Douglas frothing at the mouth.

He was immediately rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he died while receiving medical attention.

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has launched an investigation into the incident.

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond has assured Douglas’s family that allegations surrounding his death in police custody will be investigated fairly. She stressed that accountability must follow wherever wrongdoing is established.

Source: NEW ROOMS SITE