In a gripping session of testimony on Monday, Taneish Wisdom-Banton, the former chief investigator for the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), faced intense scrutiny during the ongoing murder trial of three Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers accused in the 2010 shooting death of accountant Keith Clarke.
Clarke was fatally shot in his home at 18 Kirkland Close during a controversial police-military operation aimed at capturing Christopher “Dudus” Coke, a fugitive wanted by U.S. authorities. It is alleged that Clarke’s residence served as a hideout for Coke and his associates, leading to a chaotic confrontation with security forces that resulted in Clarke’s death. Witnesses claim that key moments of the incident were captured by a JDF helicopter hovering overhead.
During cross-examination, King’s Counsel Valerie Neita-Robertson, representing Lance Corporal Greg Tingling, challenged Wisdom-Banton’s assertion that she had no knowledge of the helicopter footage. “I’m suggesting you are not being honest when you say you know nothing about a helicopter videotape,” Neita-Robertson stated pointedly.
Wisdom-Banton maintained her position, responding firmly, “I am being honest.” This exchange highlighted a key tension in the trial, as the defense seeks to establish whether critical evidence related to the shooting has been overlooked or concealed.
Neita-Robertson pressed further, questioning Wisdom-Banton about her responsibilities in compiling the investigation file. She inquired about a letter addressed to former INDECOM Commissioner Terrence Williams, which contained attachments relevant to the case. Wisdom-Banton stated that her instructions were simply to file documents, and she reiterated that the contents were not disclosed to her in detail.
“I was asked to accompany the chief forensic examiner of INDECOM,” Wisdom-Banton explained when asked about her role at the scene of the shooting. Although she admitted visiting Clarke’s home post-incident, she clarified that her involvement did not include a thorough examination of the premises.
When questioned about the existence of medical reports related to four soldiers allegedly injured during the incident, Wisdom-Banton expressed ignorance, asserting that such details were vital for her investigation and should have been documented. “If that information had arisen during my investigation, it would have been of importance to me,” she noted.
The defense has suggested that Clarke may have pointed his licensed firearm at security forces before being shot, a claim Wisdom-Banton addressed directly. She stated she did not authorize the submission of Clarke’s firearm to the ballistics lab, as she had no knowledge of its connection to the events of that night.
The courtroom atmosphere was charged as the trial continues to unfold, revealing complexities in the investigation and raising questions about accountability and evidence collection within INDECOM. The proceedings are set to resume on Wednesday, where the focus will likely remain on the actions of those involved during the chaotic events of May 27, 2010.
