Earla Dorch still does not have any answers from the police or the Coroner about what caused her “perfectly healthy” son to die while in police custody.
On February 8, thirty-three year-old Jamie Smith died at the Central Detective Unit while in the custody of officers but no reports have been released on how or why he died. The matter was handed over to Her Majesty’s Coroner Linda Virgil for investigation.
Mrs. Dorch came to New Providence from Florida to bury her son, but nearly three weeks after his death, his body has still not been released to her.
Ms Dorch said her son had no medical issues and was in perfect health.
Twenty-four hours after Jamie Smith died at CDU another young man – Aaron Rolle, 21 – died in police custody at the Southern Police Station.
Police officers from both stations have been placed on leave until the Coroner completes investigations, National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage confirmed.
Human rights watchdog Amnesty International was critical after the deaths saying it “highlights the urgent need for greater accountability for police abuses.”
