The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY three weeks after her son died in police custody, Earla Dorch says she still has no answers from the police or the Coroner about what happened to her “perfectly healthy” son.

Jamie Smith, 33, died while in the custody of officers at the Central Detective Unit on February 8. Police have not officially released why and how he died. The matter was handed over to Her Majesty’s Coroner Linda Virgil for investigation.

Speaking with The Tribune, Ms Dorch said even after meeting with Mrs Virgil yesterday afternoon she is still very confused and no closer to knowing what happened.

She said she came to New Providence from Florida to bury her son, but his body has still not been released to her.

“I am doing my best to come to terms with what happened and to understand why my son had to die. I met with the Coroner and didn’t get any answers. She didn’t say anything to appease me. I am supposed to meet with her again on Wednesday,” she said.

“All they kept telling me was the report wasn’t ready so I couldn’t have my son. They are still waiting on a report from the pathologist before they can release him. I really don’t understand why this is taking so long. So much is going on and I am really confused. I am hoping when I meet with the Coroner again I can finally get some answers.”

Ms Dorch said her son had no medical issues and was in perfect health. However, she would just like someone to explain to her what happened that day. She said she has been in contact with the Commissioner of the Police, who spoke with the family, but since then no one has said anything.

“To know him was to love him,” she said. “He was very dependable, loyal and an all-round good guy. He was doing his best, doing the best he can. I just would really like to know why he is dead. I just want answers. The worst thing is not knowing.”

Mr Smith died in CDU 24 hours before Aaron Rolle, 21, died while 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.

However he said: “This is not to suggest any culpability or otherwise. It is simply to ensure that procedures are followed which will allow due process and natural justice to everyone involved – the police and the victims.” 

 Human rights watchdog Amnesty International was critical after the deaths saying it “highlights the urgent need for greater accountability for police abuses.”