Wayne Marsh Calls For Full Investigation Into Alleged Shooting

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W. B. MARSH CHAMBERS
Attorneys-at-Law: Solicitors & Barristers
No. 1 Hilda Drive, Gambles Terrace
St. John’s, Antigua & Barbuda
Tel: (268) 562-8695 Cell: 268-774-6163
[email protected]

December 23, 2024
via hand delivery

Mr. Atlee Rodney
Commissioner of Police
Royal Police Force of Antigua
American Road
St. John’s
Antigua

RE: DEMAND FOR FULL INVESTIGATION

On Thursday 19 December 2024, shortly after 8 PM, I was present at a corner commonly referred to as Yassoco corner in Liberta. At the time, I was standing with my back turned to the public road and was engaged in a conversation with two gentlemen who were both sitting in front of me.

Whilst standing with my back turned, I heard a noise which sounded like gunshots probably fired from what could have been a small caliber firearm or some sort of device. I then noticed something hit the wall of Mr. Reginald Peterson’s building, causing fragments to fall on myself and the two gentlemen.

The incident was such that I was left in shock and shaken. It was obvious that whatever it was, was aimed at me. I say this because I was the only one of the three who was standing and because it hit the wall just above my head.

Immediately after leaving the scene, I proceeded to the Liberta Police Station to make a report of the incident. Upon arrival, there was only one officer present, Corporal Bristol, who took my report and promised to have the matter investigated.

Corporal Bristol called me about an hour later and informed me that the Dockyard Police had gone to the scene but recovered no spent shells nor other evidence to suggest that a firearm was used.

Corporal Bristol again called me some time after 8 AM on Friday 20 December 2024, inviting me to give a police statement, and I promised him that I would do so later that same day.

I went to the Liberta Police Station shortly after 1 PM that same day, accompanied by Mr. Wendell Alexander, who happened to be present with me as we were engaged in other matters. When I passed Yassoco corner, I noticed a police officer was present on the scene where the incident occurred and having a conversation with Mr. Peterson.

Whilst at the station and waiting to give my statement, a gentleman entered the station in plain clothes. Although I did not know who he was at the time, it was apparent that he was a senior officer due to the fact the other officers paid him compliments.

I learned that the senior officer was Inspector Frankly Thomas, the Police Public Relations Officer, as he introduced himself to me. Having given him my name, he then said he heard I was “making mischief” around the place and that he had come for a copy of the station diary.

This comment left me deeply troubled since I had yet to give my statement. In fact, the comment was made less than twenty-four (24) hours since the report was made.

Mr. Thomas sought to walk back his comments after I confronted him on the basis upon which he said I was involved in mischief-making by saying he was only joking with me. I find the comment of Mr. Thomas to be clear evidence of bias, troubling, unprofessional, and shows without a doubt that the police had absolutely no interest in fully investigating the matter. The comments of Inspector Thomas simply cannot be ignored.

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, I received a call from Garfield Burford of ABS TV, who proceeded to question me as to how I was sure that gunshots were fired at me that night. Mr. Burford went on to indicate that a senior police officer had confirmed that there was no evidence to suggest that a firearm was used at the time of the incident.

I responded to Mr. Burford by indicating that I could not give such a confirmation and that having made the report, I would expect the police to conduct a full investigation into the matter.

I learned that on Sunday, 22 December 2024, ABS TV reported that a senior police officer confirmed that the police discovered no evidence of shots being fired at me that evening and that there was no evidence of shots being fired in the area.

This report was made despite the fact that the police never contacted me after giving my statement or to update on the investigation, and I am also not aware that the police forensic team ever visited the scene.

The timeline of my report relative to the comments made by the police PRO and state media is highly suggestive. It is highly improper that the police would be disseminating information to the media without a proper, full, and impartial investigation and more so without contacting me. There is no doubt in my mind that there has been collaboration between the police and state media to cast doubt on the veracity of my report and to tarnish my reputation.

I therefore demand that a full, complete, and impartial investigation be conducted into the report made on Thursday, 19 December 2024. I wish to also invite you as Commissioner to cause the relevant body to properly enquire into the comments made by Inspector Frankly Thomas and to take such course of action so as to preserve and protect the integrity of the Police. I await your response within seven days of this letter.

Respectfully,
Wayne Benjamin Marsh, Esq.
Attorney-at-law

(Received by #229 const. Ali, Date: 23/12/2024, Time: 8:52 AM, Presented to: ASP Toote)

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