The police lied about everything.
That was the bold claim of Tricia Springer at the funeral of her son, Tristan “Ratty” Springer, 24, who was killed by police officers on July 2 while still in his bed at Cipriani Avenue, Second Caledonia, Morvant.
Tristan’s funeral service took place on Saturday at 1 pm at the basketball court in Second Caledonia, and he was buried at the Tunapuna Public Cemetery. No uniformed police or marked vehicles were seen in the area.
At the service, mourners were dressed in t-shirts printed with images of Tristan and gathered under two tents set up for them as the rain fell during the ceremony. Others stood or sat on the periphery, smoking what appeared to be marijuana and drinking alcohol, waiting for the blue and red casket to be opened so they could view their friend.
After the service, some mourners crowded around the casket while dancehall music blared from a truck set up with speakers nearby. None seemed startled as multiple gunshots rang out as Tristan was saluted by young men, many of whom were dressed in white vests and three-quarter pants. They quickly picked up and pocketed the bullet casings which scattered around them.
[caption id="attachment_965136" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Tyrika Bartholomew, sister of Tristan "Ratty " Springer, views his body during his funeral at the basketball court, Second Caledonia Road, Morvant on Saturday. - AYANNA KINSALE[/caption]
At one point during the service, the mother of Tristan’s first child insisted on seeing the body and flipped opened the casket’s lid. Springer became incensed, insisting that she wait until the service was completed, and they began to shout and curse each other even as the pastor and some other mourners tried to bring calm.
Tears ran down their faces even as they shouted at each other, and fellow mourners held them back while trying to de-escalate the situation.
After things calmed down, a friend of Tristan, Cindy-Ann Jackson, described him as "a general" and an amazing man who was always willing and eager to help. She said he always wanted better for himself and his three daughters, each for a different woman. And that he wanted to improve himself and had plans to open businesses.
“No one should judge anyone because everybody are sinners in God eyes.”
His uncle spoke about Tristan’s love for football saying he was a Chelsea fan, and recalled a relative telling them if someone ever hit them, they should hit back. His aunt spoke about his concern for his friends and his love for his daughters. And his sister, Tyrika Bartholomew, recalled how protective he was of her and his family.
According a police report, officers of the North Eastern Division Task Force executed a search warrant for firearms and ammunition at Tristan's home around 5.45am on July 2. The officers entered the house and went to a bedroom where they saw Tristan on a bed with a teenager. According to the police, the officers called out, Tristan pointed a gun at them, and they opened fire.
On the Beyond the Tape programme on TV6
