According to one of the boys’ mother, police told her that her 12-year-old son would remain in custody until Sunday because the Magistrate’s court had granted police an extension to detain him.
The 12-year-old, an 11-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy and a 19-year-old youth were taken into custody on Monday for questioning.
Under Bahamian law, police can detain persons for up to 96 hours for questioning. If police do not file formal charges within that time frame they would either have to release the persont, or apply to the magistrate’s court for an extension to detain the person.
According to a Freeport lawyer, when a minor is taken into custody the Probation Department must be notified. A probation officer should also visit with the child to ensure his welfare while in custody.
The lawyer said that police cannot interview the child without his guardian or attorney present. Lawyer Brian Hanna has been retained by the mother to represent her 12-year-old son.
Source: The Tribune
