Full investigation to be launched into death of Chateau woman – CoP

Commissioner of Police Michael Charles has confirmed that there will be an official investigation into the circumstances which led to the death of Silma ‘Codo’ Thomas of Chateaubelair.{{more}}

“From our discussions from the police side, we will launch an investigation,” COP Charles told SEARCHLIGHT on Wednesday, during a telephone interview.

Charles’ comment comes on the heel of a call by Parliamentary Representative for North Leeward Roland ‘Patel’ Matthews for the relevant authorities to launch an investigation into the circumstances leading up to Thomas’ death.

While speaking on the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) “New Times” radio program on Monday, Matthews said that while he was not against the police carrying out their responsibilities, he thought that under the circumstances they may not have acted properly.

“The search was done and the fact that they continued after the woman became ill…,” the North Leeward MP said.

“I am calling on the authorities to conduct an investigation into the manner in which the police acted, to find out by their action if it is negligence that would have resulted in the death of this young woman.”

Matthews also said he had made several calls and had written several letters soon after the 2010 General Elections in order to stop what he termed as the harassment of innocent people in Chateaubelair.

But the COP responded saying that there were avenues set up for members of the public to take if they felt that they were being harassed.

“The Public Relations and Complaints Department is the police oversight body that people can go to,” he said.

According to Charles, he did not agree with Matthews that innocent people were being harassed, and the police have their job to do.

“And we do our job. It is unfortunate that this incident took place while police were carrying out their lawful duty,” Charles told SEARCHLIGHT.

He said that he was fully briefed on the incident and that he would be making an official statement on the matter, but that he was not prepared to do so presently.

Up to press time Wednesday, Charles said that the autopsy results were still unknown.

Thomas died at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) last Friday, 24 hours after collapsing at her home during a police search.

It was reported that she was not at home when the officers turned up at her home around 3:40 p.m, and had to be called from a dressmaking place next door where she usually hangs out.

During the search she became ill and was eventually taken to the Chateaubelair hospital and subsequently transferred to Kingstown, where she died.

Meanwhile, residents of Chateaubelair will stage a candlelight vigil and march later today, beginning at 6.p.m.

The march is expected to begin at Thomas’ home in Sharpes, Chateaubelair, then down to Mission Corner and back to the playing field. (DD)