By RAWLSTON POMPEY
Most investigators know that whenever an accused person volunteered to show ‘…Bush-Concealed Articles,’ such person might be sending ‘…sign-less messages’ that demand investigative deciphering. Mindful of subterfuges, most investigators are alert for problems. Consequently, most often consider, inter alia (i) ‘…officer safety; (ii) …safety of others and prisoner; (iii) …preventing defeat of the ends of justice; and (iv) …absconsion.’ These are not just possibilities, but have actually occurred. The case of ‘…self-confessed triple-murder accused Delano Forbes 23,’ makes the point. While law enforcement is acutely aware of criminal deception, situationally, some risks shall still be rationally and calculatedly taken. Law enforcement instructions repetitively stressed strict adherence to these basics.
DECEIVED AND FOOLED
Though there may have been many, the Scripture edifies that only ‘…Three Wise Men’ came from the East, bearing precious gifts of ‘…Gold; …Myrrh and Frankincense’ [Matthew: 2]. However, without gifts of any sort, wise men may travel further to the ‘…West; …North and South.’ Conversely, ‘…Foolish Men’ may be led aimlessly into unfamiliar places and bushes. In criminal investigations, foolish investigators are invariably ‘…fooled and led by prisoners.’ They may move to the ‘…East; …then West; …then North and South,’ until they realized there were only four cardinal points. Whether by incentivized offers or on his own volition, when ‘…self-confessed triple-murder accused Delano Forbes’ agreed to assist investigators in retrieving ‘…stashed bottles of human blood,’ whatever may have spurred his interest, wise or foolish, he had ‘…Deceived and Fooled’ five criminal investigators.
INCRIMINATING CONFESSIONS
Through ‘…Self-incriminating Confessions,’ suggesting that investigators had solved ‘…three murders, these were not enough to show convincingly, there was the ‘…prospect of conviction.’ They needed additional evidence. The murders were allegedly committed over a nine-month period. Those adept at mathematical calculations, concluded that based upon his confessions, the accused may have been ‘…drinking human blood at least every three months.’ Such calculations may have been based upon the murders of (i) ‘…Lisue ‘Dirty’ Samuel [February February 21, 2017]; (ii) …Shawn Henry 41 [May 10, 2017]; and (iii) …Wilfred ‘Bongo’ Williams 59 [WIC News: December 9, 2017]. There were some peculiarities; …one year had passed since he allegedly murdered victim ‘…No. 1, Lisue ‘Dirty’ Samuel and ten months had elapsed since he reportedly ‘…confessed to murdering victim No. 2, Shawn Henry.’
BEHAVIORAL INSTINCTS
After humans, studies revealed that the fox is the most instinctively cunning animal within the animal kingdom. For speed, the hare is highly rated. Though known for its ferocity, the dog is described as ‘…man’s best friend.’ It instinctively attacks to protect or get more food. Situationally, humans are known to have exhibited ‘…Behavioral Instincts’ that are consistent with these animals. Humans had employed fox-like cunningness; …ran like a hare and exhibited dog-like greed.’ However, encountering difficulties or facing serious challenges, using the endowed conscience and reason and deception, humans had overcome adversities, while defeating adversaries. The moral contained in the ‘…Dog and Bone Story,’ though showed no ‘…instinctive cunningness or deception,’ often provides valuable lessons to both ‘…Wise and Foolish Men.’
HOLD ON TO PRISONERS
Aesop the Greek fabulist and fabled story-teller, wrote on a ‘…hound dog’s prize find of a decent little bone’ [You Tube]. Whether or not, it was covered with particles of flesh, he must have seen in it a decent little meal. It was securely clutched between its canine teeth. When attempts were made to relieve it of the bone, it made deep-throated growls. It was particularly careful not to drop it until he got safely home. However, while crossing over a rail-less bridge, not knowing that his shadow was mirrored in the meandering stream, he snapped at the watery image of what seemed to have been a much bigger bone. Disappointingly, the real bone fell into the water and submerged. Applied to criminal investigators, lest they lost the prisoner, while searching for exhibits in bushes, ‘…Hold on to your prisoners.’
SEEDS OF DECEPTION
Just over ten days ago murder-accused Delano Forbes, pulled off the simplest, yet one of the most stunning and daring escape from Police custody. Under escort of five criminal investigators, including one female, he had convinced the investigators that ‘…retrievable human blood was stashed away in bushes peripheral to the Swetes community. That for which the female may have been brought, appeared not to have been of worrying consequences. He gave them no reasons to suspect that he was canvassing assistance in facilitating his escape from police custody. Yet on his mind, was escape. In their unwary minds, he had sowed ‘…Seeds of Deception.’ He had played on their senses; …won their confidence; …charmed them into gullibility and wittily, led them out of their offices.’ When he escaped, incensed citizenry not only scoffed at their apparent laxity, but also showed no pity to their simplicity.
BAIT OF DECEPTION
It was unclear what may have triggered suspicions that he may have been hiding something critical to the investigations. There was extreme savagery to the bodies. This showed consistency in the modus operandi. It had prompted widespread speculations. However, in criminal proceedings, these have no probative value. Then there was the incident of the recovered ‘…headless body of deceased Swetes resident Caleb Samuel 72.’ His body was discovered in dense vegetation in the Bendals Body Pond area, peripheral to the Swetes community. He was considered a possible fourth victim [December 11, 2016]. This remains unsolved. The accused had shown unusual willingness in cooperating with, and assisting the investigators.’ There may also have been a ‘…Bait of Deception;’ and he that ate of that bait runs the risk of being deceived.
OPPORTUNITY
Attempting to gather additional evidence, intended to strengthen pending Court cases or to solve cold cases, investigators may have absent-mindedly or negligently provided him with ‘…an Opportunity to Run.’ They may have missed the moral in the Aesop’s ‘…Dog and Bone Story,’ grabbing at ‘…imaginary exhibits’ and permitting the prisoner to deceive them [February 12, 2018]. Relying upon his ‘…bush knowledge,’ they had unsuspectingly followed a clearly defined meandering bushy trail that allowed for his escape. The articles, if retrieved, were intended to be tendered in evidence, based upon their evidential value. The search proved disappointingly futile and professionally embarrassing. Public responses were swift and merciless. Irrespective of the principle of ‘…Natural Justice,’ they had called for ‘…summary dismissal’ of the investigators. Given safeguards contained in the Constitution [ANU: CO: 1981], prudent heads prevailed.
PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE
Criminal investigators would have had ‘…Prima Facie Evidence’ with which to proceed criminally against self-confessed triple-murder Delano Forbes. They had elicited voluntary confessions’ and he was ‘…formally charged with murdering three men.’ Through ‘…self-incriminating confessions,’ suggesting that investigators had solved ‘…three murders, these appeared not enough to show convincingly, there was ‘…prospect of conviction.’ The murders were allegedly committed over a nine-month period. Those adept at mathematical calculations, concluded that based upon his confessions, the accused may have been ‘…drinking human blood at least every three months.’ Such calculations may have been based upon the murders of (i) ‘…Lisue ‘Dirty’ Samuel [February February 21, 2017]; (ii) …Shawn Henry 41 [May 10, 2017]; and (iii) …Wilfred ‘Bongo’ Williams 59 [WIC News: December 9, 2017]. Even more peculiar, was that, one year had passed since he allegedly murdered victim ‘…No. 1, Lisue ‘Dirty’ Samuel and ten months had elapsed since he reportedly ‘…confessed to murdering victim No. 2, Shawn Henry.’
WARRANT OF DELIVERANCE
Thus, in continuing their investigations, investigators had obtained a ‘…Warrant of Deliverance’ from the Magistracy. It commanded Prison authorities to deliver remanded prisoner Delano Forbes to Police custody.’ They had escorted him in bushes peripheral the Swetes community. With the element of surprise, with a leopard-like instinctive leap on its prey, he reportedly jumped down a 25-foot embankment. Then with speed likened to a hare, he scurried off through densely populated vegetation [February 12, 2018]. Criminal investigators may have given residents of the Swetes community and members of the victim’s family good reasons to apprehend fear. Imaginations ran wild with thoughts of more throat-slitting and more blood-drinking.’ An eagle-eye media mirrored the investigators and generally the Police Service in their news portals as bordering ‘…professional incompetence.’
GUIDED SEARCH
Undoubtedly, murder-accused Delano Forbes had a conceptualized escape plan. Such plan may also have included a ‘…pre-determined get-away point.’ The bushy option considered, and key to its success was ‘…cooperation and persuasion.’ The murder-accused may also have considered the best way to escape their custody was to avoid combat. He was not only out-numbered, but also unarmed. Seeking additional evidence, investigators may have considered a ‘…Guided Search’ as a better way of utilizing his ‘…bush knowledge’ in assisting in retrieving ‘…unverified self-claimed stashed away articles.’ Capitalizing on their naivety and susceptibility, he led them over terrain they had never before traversed. Then likened to the ‘…surgical skills’ of Surgeon Dr. Joseph ‘Joey’ John, and without guns emitting smoke, he achieved his objectives with precisional and exceptional ease.
VOLUNTARY COOPERATION
With virtually no easy way in breaking out of the ‘…Prison’s Maximum Security Unit,’ the triple-murder accused may have been figuring out an easy way in leaving custody of the Police. The bush was a viable option. There is no knowledge like bush knowledge, and he appeared to have possessed plenty of it. At their offices, he would have answered questions that they may have accepted as consistent with truth. In the bushes, he had the better advantage in determining where they shall travel. While investigators sought to strengthen their cases against him, using his ‘…Voluntary Cooperation,’ they had eaten the ‘…Bait of Deception.’ Capitalizing on the advantage, he led five criminal investigators wildly on unfamiliar terrain; using his ‘…cooperation; …bush knowledge; …intelligence and wit.’ He had overwhelmed their senses with deception.
FOUR WISE MEN
A distraught Commissioner of Police Wendell Robinson reportedly addressed the ‘…gravity of the apparent negligence; …implications for public safety and possible consequences.’ Careful not to be emotionally demoralizing, with subtle irony, he said, ‘…Four Wise Men took the prisoner into the bushes, and the prisoner escaped from the Four Wise Men’ [February 23, 2018]. This may have occurred because the ‘…Four Wise Men’ never came from the East; and seemingly never knew where they were being led by the prisoner. Though investigators had escorted him for the purpose of ‘…retrieving possible bush-concealed exhibits,’ they had found themselves, ironically, not searching for exhibits, but running to catch him. In the futile attempts, the ‘…Four Wise Men’ neither returned with exhibits, nor the prisoner [February 12, 2018].
ESCAPADES AND ESCAPE
While the prisoner’s ‘…Escapades and Escape’ speak to his cunning exploits, these have also exposed serious operational and security lapses. Though Public Safety Minister Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin may not have been unduly worried that a ‘…prowling vampire’ could, at any moment drop in for a pint or two of his blood, he appeared perplexed over the inexplicable and unprecedented developments. A media reported response speaks to seriousness and idealism. Indirectly suggesting implementing initiatives capable of showing accountability,’ he said’…When they perform their duty, it must be done in a professional manner that is beyond the public scrutiny’ [ANR: February 21, 2018]. Professional or unprofessional, dishonesty or skullduggery or reproach or beyond reproach, likened to many public officials, law enforcement agencies have always been under public scrutiny. The citizenry had not only perceived these developments as disturbingly outrageous, but also ‘…pregnant with negligence.’
KILLER INSTINCT
Even as he resided among members of the Swetes community, no one had any reason to be fearful of him. No one knew of his ‘…Killer Instinct,’ as to be called a serial killer. No one also knew of his ‘…thirst for human blood as to be described as vampiric’ [Telesur: December 27, 2017]. At the point of escape, before the Crime Scenes Investigators could have readied their cameras for a shot of a likened jump of the ‘…terrifying long-legged Cuban frogs,’ before asking ‘…Where are you leading us?’ he was over a 25-foot embankment and ‘…ran through the bushes’ like a hare [D/CP: Atlee Rodney: February 14, 2918]. Investigators had reportedly retrieved ‘…two bottles of what was suspected to be human blood’ [Press Conference: December 22, 2017]. Other than that revealed by his father Jimmy Forbes, no one knew that he had claimed to be demon possessed [ABS TV: February 17, 2018]. Nonetheless, his apparent deceptive exploits and elusiveness, seemed to suggest a ‘…presumption of sanity.’
GRIEF AND TERROR-STRICKEN
While authorities are seeking answers, it will be necessary to consider revising security procedures, capable of avoiding future operational lapses. This brings no hope, as the hearts of families, loved ones and friends of murdered-victim Wilfred ‘Bong’ Williams 59 continue to be overwhelmed with sorrow and grief. Then there are the residents of the Swetes community who remained fearful and terror-stricken. This has resulted from the savagery committed to the person of deceased resident Wilfred ‘Bongo’ Williams. Reported missing on December 9, 2017, the gruesome discovery of his partially decomposed remains was reportedly ‘…nailed away in an outdoor human waste disposal pit.’[December 11, 2017]. Even more terrifying, was when the accused killer made a struggle-less escape from the clutches of the law, and remained poised to continue his deadly exploits, as his ‘…cannibalistic thirst for human blood demands,’ he might be disposed in draining a pint or two.
DANGERTO SOCIETY
More frightening to residents, is that the murder-accused may wish to quench his cannibalistic thirst with human blood.’ Ignoring the conventional way of extracting donor’s blood, many people fear the savagery reportedly employed, ‘…by drawing it from the throat.’ This is problematic for law enforcement, as he remains elusive and terrifyingly, poses grave ‘…Danger to Society.’ While law enforcement wants information; …law abiding citizens want bereavement. The Court wants his safe return. Based on what citizens want – extra-judicial killing, other situation dictates his return to the ‘…Constructive Custody’ of the Court, upon whose ordered command, he was removed from the security of Her Majesty’s Prison. Though at-large, there are pending Committal proceedings set to commence shortly [March 17, 2018]. Lessons might be learned from the St. Lucia experience.’ Twelve people were reportedly shot and killed by Police between 2010 and 2011. The United States had criticized the Government for not prosecuting members of the ‘…Police Death Squad; …cancelled US. Visa to Senior Police officers and ceased law enforcement assistance [Aljazeera: January 13, 2016].
CONSTRUCTIVE CUSTODY
District Magistrate Nagio Emmanuel had ordered the murder-accused remanded to Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP). He had been on remand for approximately 90 days. Though he had been in the ‘…actual custody of Prison authorities,’ he was in fact in the ‘…Constructive Custody’ of the Court. Likened to all other remanded prisoners, Prison authorities would only deliver prisoners to the Police by written command of the Court to the Superintendent of Prison. In that period in solitary confinement; he may have become nostalgic. He may not only have been yearning to see the sun rises at day-break and sets at twilight , but also to see the moon shines through night’s darkness. He may also have been yearning to roam the bushy environs of his Swetes community, looking for anyone that may have stimulation for his peculiar taste buds.’
WARRANTS-REMAND/DELIVERANCE
Procedurally, an initial ‘…Warrant on Remand,’ commanded Prison Superintendent Albert Wade to keep the murder-accused confined at the Prison for a period of one week in the first instance. Since the gravity of the charges did not allow for bail, further remand would have been extended, pending (i) …Committal proceedings; (ii) …Indictment; and (iii) …Trial.’ The accused reportedly agreed to show investigators where ‘…stashed bottles of human blood and other articles’ that may have been retrievable from a wooded area of the Swetes community. Law enforcement applied for, and obtained a ‘…Warrant of Deliverance’ of the -murder accused to further assist them in the investigations. This may have been seen as peculiar, since he had been on remand for over three months and had time to plan his escape.
ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR
It is to public knowledge that people in households and communities are usually the first to observe ‘…incoherent speech and/or abnormal behavior in individuals.’ When people revealed experiences of ‘…Seeing little men; … feeling spiders crawling on them and/or hearing voices in their heads,’ it might be time to engage the services of psychiatrists or visitations to a psychiatric hospitals. When Jimmy Forbes revealed that his son, murder accused Delano Forbes, claimed that he was hearing voices and revealed that he was possessed with demons’ [ABS TV: February, 14, 2018], it may have been time for visits to a psychiatrist or the Clarevue Psychiatric Center. This appeared not to have been the case. When news broke of his escape, fear had gripped the hearts of many people within the Swetes and surrounding communities. Many residents became deeply worried that the ‘…self-confessed killer and suspected human blood drinker,’ might just return for a few more pints.
DEFENCE OF INSANITY
While psychiatrists often guide Courts with an accused person’s fitness to stand trial or capability of understanding the nature of the Oath, Juries, properly directed by trial Judges on the law, may be satisfied that an accused person was of ‘…unsound memory and discretion, when he committed a vicious criminal act. A case on point was that of former Police Constable Wilson Adams. When he had revealed that he ‘….heard voices in his head,’ he may have been losing his sanity. This manifested when, for no apparent reason he allegedly attacked a female sun-bathing on one of the nation’s popular and populous beaches. With frightening savagery, he knifed her to death [1996]. Arrested, charged and tried for murder, his Defence team had mounted the defence of insanity [MC Naghton: 1954]. A Jury had found him guilty of murdering the deceased female he never knew. Removing a grave danger from society, he was ordered to ‘…indeterminate confinement’ to the then Mental Hospital, now ‘…Clarevue Psychiatric Center’ [ANU: July 26, 1997].
OPERATIONAL MISTAKES
What everyone now knows, is that since self-confessed triple-murder accused Delano Forbes, escaped from the custody of the Police, all precautions shall be taken to secure themselves from whom law enforcement has described as a ‘…Serial killer and human vampire.’ Since his escape, residential life was said to have been drastically changed. Law enforcement has forthrightly admitted to making serious ‘…Operational Mistakes.’ Police spokesman Deputy Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney had informed the citizenry that the murder-accused leapt from the custody of the investigators ‘…down a 25-foot embankment,’ making good his escape [February 14, 2018].
MYSTICAL SIGHTINGS
The situation remains the same, as the murder accused continues to be elusive. Several responses to possible ‘…Mystical Sightings’ in some communities have been disappointingly futile. Conjuring-up the simple plan, the accused murderer had lured the five criminal investigations from their ‘…senses and offices into the bushes.’ At an area said to be dangerous for investigators, it was ideally suited for a ‘…Spectacular Jump.’ He had not only left the investigators in an irrecoverable state of ‘…intoxicated shock,’ but also an entire citizenry in a state of panic. This had prompted, arguably, ‘…the biggest mounted-manhunt in the nation’s crime fighting history. It involved some ‘…200 armed Police and Military personnel.’ It may have been seen more as a show of force. Emerging from the bushes, ‘…empty-handed brought no respite to the citizenry [ANU: February 17, 2018].
THE REWARD
Extreme fear may have been induced in residents, when Deputy Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers made chilling revelations which may have been reasonably inferred, that likened to ‘…Cold Wadadli Beers, ‘…he ritualistically drank human blood.’ Further, without substantiating evidence, the spokesman revealed that the ‘…Police suspected’ that his killing-spree may have ‘…started in 2015’ [OMG: February 19, 2018]. Considered ‘…Armed and extremely dangerous’ and with a killer-instinct and cannibalistic tendencies, citizens tremble at the thought of his mystified escape. Sensing citizen’s unease, the police have cautioned that he shall not be approached or confronted, if sighted [February 22, 2018]. They have offered a negligible ‘…Reward of EC$5,000.’ However, taking seriously the caution, and taking into consideration the accused apparent ‘…unquenchable cannibalistic thirst,’ most residents would rather keep their blood, than receive the Reward.
CONCLUSION
Even as internal investigations’ were underway these have neither brought comfort to the victims’ families, nor feelings of security to the citizenry.’ When this chapter is closed, it may very well show that ‘…negligence or carelessness’ may have created blunderous situations, thus exposing citizens to avoidable danger, and unnecessary difficulties to law enforcement. In the search for answers, that which appears most critical to the investigation, might also be deduced from two questions (i) ‘…Whose decision was it to cause District Magistrate Nagio Emmanuel to issue a Warrant of Deliverance to remove the murder accused from the security of the Prison; (ii) …Was is prudent to escort the murder-accused in bushes where he merely claimed to have hidden articles that may or may not be evidentially valuable in the pending criminal proceedings?’ While citizens grumble; …public officials dabble; and …superiors tremble, only ‘…Four Wise Men and a Woman,’ may have all the answers. ***
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