While some may have been shocked over the findings in the autopsy report of PC Clarence Gilkes, several residents of Upper Rich Plain, Diego Martin are not surprised. They feel vindicated by the findings which seem to contradict the official police account.
Gilkes, 44, was shot dead in Upper Rich Plain Road, Diego Martin last Friday.
Police originally claimed Gilkes was shot and killed by gunmen in the area and began searching for a 29-year-old man, Jehlano Romney, who they suspected was the killer.
Shortly after the incident, acting Commissioner of Police McDonald Jacob described the killing as a declaration of war on the police by criminals and dismissed the possibility of Gilkes being shot by one of his colleagues.
He said, “An officer was shot in his neck from the front and we’re talking about friendly fire?”
But an autopsy on Tuesday concluded Gilkes was shot from behind. No further details were given on what type of bullet was found.
Police confirmed that as of Tuesday afternoon, the man was no longer considered a murder suspect but someone who would have information to help the police in their investigation.
Jacob said that several units of the police have been mobilised, with assistance from the defence force, to locate Romney.
On Saturday, an audio recording by Romney giving his version of events leading up to PC Gilkes' death was circulated on social media.
In his account, he claimed he was unarmed during the incident and that Gilkes was shot by one of his fellow officers.
Newsday visited the area where the incident happened on Wednesday and spoke with residents who said they were not surprised by the findings.
One resident said while it is important for Romney to give his version of events to the authorities, he was unsure how he should meet the investigators.
"The only thing I can really think of is if some independent body meets him somewhere and they can have the officers interview him.
"Outside of that, it's perfectly reasonable to be afraid for his own safety, even after the autopsy results have come out."
Another resident said while he was pleased that the autopsy result was publicised, he was not confident any action would be taken against the officers who were with Gilkes at the time.
[caption id="attachment_951835" align="alignnone" width="772"] A view from the top of a staircase on Upper Rich Plain Road, Diego Martin where PC Clarence Gilkes was shot dead on Friday last week. - Shane Superville[/caption]
He said he also felt Romney was still at risk of being targeted.
"We need to have a level field between the layman and the powers that be. And even though we can't do anything about it, we know there is injustice 24/7 and that's just what is the accepted reality, we know we can't do anything about it.
"So when we see an innocent man become guilty, why the hell should he offer himself up as a sacrifice? He would disappear."
Contacted for comment, the Romn
