The family of a man who died in police custody this month can now plan his funeral, as acting coroner Jeanine Weech-Gomez authorized the release of the body from the morgue yesterday.
Jamie Smith, who died at the Central Detective Unit within two hours of his arrest on February 8 on suspicion of armed robbery, may be buried next week, according to a relative.
Although Smith’s mother, Earla Dorch, and the family’s attorney, Christina Galanos, met with Linda Virgill on Tuesday regarding the release of the body and receiving the post mortem report, The Nassau Guardian understands her appointment as coroner expired on February 23.
Weech-Gomez was within the court’s precincts when the family met with Virgill.
Following the meeting, Galanos told the press that Virgill did not give any timeline for the release of the body and did not give them a reason for the delay.
It is not known whether the dates set for the inquest on March 26 and 28 and April 2 and 4 will be honored by the new coroner.
Smith, who lived and worked in Hollywood, Florida, before returning to New Providence last year, left behind an 11-year-old daughter. He worked as a chef and was unmarried.
Four officers from the Central Detective Unit have been placed on administrative leave in the Smith case.
Aaron Rolle, 20, of Ross Corner, who was arrested on February 6, died in police custody at the Quakoo Street Police Station on February 9. Two officers from that station are reportedly on leave.
His family has also not received any explanation about how he died, but National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage recently referred to both men as “the victims” when he spoke in the House of Assembly.
By Artesia Davis
Guardian Senior Reporter