A confrontation at a social gathering in Ewarton, St. Catherine, escalated fatally on Sunday night, resulting in the death of 34-year-old Vivian Francis, a Jamaican resident of New Jersey, USA.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the incident unfolded at approximately 10:10 PM at the Ewarton Sports Complex, where both Francis and an off-duty police officer were present. Tensions reportedly flared between the two men, leading to an argument that spiraled out of control.
Witnesses claim Francis became aggressive, overturning furniture before allegedly brandishing a knife. In response to the escalating situation, the officer identified himself as a member of law enforcement and commanded Francis to drop the weapon. However, as Francis reportedly advanced towards the officer, the latter discharged his firearm, striking him.
Immediately after the shooting, Francis was transported to Linstead Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
In light of this tragic incident, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has initiated a probe to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure a thorough review of the events that led to Francis’s death. The investigation aims to clarify the details and determine the appropriateness of the officer’s actions during the confrontation.
