Call for FBI in Moruga inquiry

A new twist has developed into the three Moruga killings as attorney for the victims, Keith Scotland, is demanding Police Commissioner Dwayne Gibbs bring in officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) or Scotland Yard to oversee the probe. Keron Eccles, Abigail Johnson and Alana Duncan were shot dead by police on July 22. The three friends were travelling in a car driven by Duncan when it was reported police officers of the San Fernando Robbery Squad intercepted it. Police have stuck to the story that the occupants opened fire on them, forcing the officers to return fire. Scotland sent a two-page letter to Gibbs yesterday afternoon detailing his clients’ concerns. A copy of the letter also was sent to the T&T Guardian.

Scotland said he was acting on behalf of Eccles’ wife, Junnette Bascombe, of Ramdhanie Road, Indian Walk, Moruga, and Johnson’s grandmother, May Johnson, of Burton Trace, St Mary’s, Moruga. “They must bring in the FBI, Scotland Yard or whoever else they may choose from the outside. “My clients do not have any trust in the local police,” Scotland said. In his letter, he noted there had been extensive press coverage of the issue, including reports of statements made by Gibbs who assured that the matter would be investigated by the police. According to Scotland there was also a very likely possibility that murder charges would be laid. “You will appreciate that it is entirely possible that the outcome of any investigation into the shooting death of the deceased may result in criminal charges for murder being brought against the police officers involved,” Scotland wrote.

Insisting his clients were “very distrustful” of any internal investigation conducted by the police, Scotland said there also may be efforts to sweep the probe under the carpet. “It is for this reason my clients are extremely distrustful of any internal investigations, which have reportedly been commenced by the police. “My client fears that despite your best intentions, there may be attempts to ‘cover up’ or impede the proper investigation of this matter by the police as it relates to their colleagues,” Scotland told Gibbs. As a result of “such circumstances” Scotland called on the top cop to take immediate steps to ensure the independent integrity and effectiveness of police investigations. He added: “This must be done by the immediate appointment of special investigators from outside of the Police Service to oversee such investigations. “My client and indeed the national community expect no less.”