Jamaica police officer charged with murder in woman’s fatal shooting
8 reported
Authorities in Jamaica have charged a police officer with murder in the fatal shooting of a 45-year-old woman, a case that sparked violent protests. The officer appeared in court on Wednesday and was denied bail, with another hearing scheduled for mid-June. The killing of Latoya “Buju” Bulgin on May 17 in northwest Jamaica prompted demonstrations in the town of Granville, where residents demanded justice. Local media reported that Bulgin was helping organize a demonstration over the recent police killing of a 17-year-old boy identified as her cousin. No body camera was worn by the accused officer, but the People’s National Party Women’s Movement stated that CCTV footage raises questions about the use of lethal force. The group also said it was disturbing how Bulgin’s body was thrown into the back of a police vehicle after she was shot. The Inter American Commission of Human Rights has denounced the killing and urged a prompt, independent, impartial, and transparent inquiry.
What’s reported
A police officer in Jamaica has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Latoya “Buju” Bulgin.
The officer appeared in court on Wednesday and was denied bail; another hearing is scheduled for mid-June.
The killing on May 17 in northwest Jamaica sparked violent protests in the town of Granville.
Local media reported Bulgin was helping organize a demonstration over the recent police killing of a 17-year-old boy identified as her cousin.
No body camera was worn by the accused officer.
The People’s National Party Women’s Movement said CCTV footage raises questions about the use of lethal force and that Bulgin’s body was thrown into the back of a police vehicle.
The Inter American Commission of Human Rights denounced the killing and urged an independent inquiry.
The Independent Commission of Investigations reported 140 fatal shootings so far this year on the island of 2.8 million people.
Key figures
Latoya “Buju” Bulgin, 45-year-old woman killed
People’s National Party Women’s Movement, political group
Inter American Commission of Human Rights
Independent Commission of Investigations
Sources: abcnews.com
