A 34-year-old police officer from Trinidad is set to make a virtual appearance in court, facing charges related to a tragic shooting incident that occurred on December 17 at the Courts Mega Store car park in San Juan.
This incident resulted in the deaths of two relatives and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers.
Charged with murder and intent to harm
Police Constable Sidney Roberts, who was most recently attached to the Homicide Bureau of Investigations (HBI), is charged with two counts of murder and an additional charge of shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The victims of the incident were identified as siblings Simeon Lessey, aged 33, and Siniaya Lessey, aged 35.
Arrest and legal proceedings
Roberts was taken into custody as part of an operation conducted by officers of the Professional Standards Bureau (PSB).
Subsequently, he was formally charged on Christmas Day, following legal advice provided by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard.
Collaborative investigative efforts
The investigation into this tragic incident involved the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement units, including the PSB, the Research Analytical Unit, and Legal Officer Ramjag from HBI Region II
Details of the incident
According to police reports, on December 17, multiple police units responded to reports of gunfire at the Courts Mega Store Car Park.
At the scene, first responders encountered an off-duty police officer and several individuals with injuries.
Two of the injured individuals died, while others received medical treatment for their injuries.
Questionable transaction and motive
According to reports, the victims’ mother, Abigail John, shared with reporters that the group had arranged to meet someone who had offered them discounted items at the store.
They had already made the payment but grew suspicious of the transaction and sought to cancel it.
Her daughter had initially reported the situation to the police and intended to meet the person at the Courts Mega Store’s car park to retrieve their money.
Initial investigations revealed that the off-duty officer discharged his licensed firearm, resulting in the deaths of Simeon and Siniaya Lessey, as well as injuries to three other individuals.
Calls for review by National Security Council
Following the incident, the National Security Council (NSC) convened a meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and attended by Commissioner of Police Erla Harewood-Christopher and Chief of Defence Staff Air Vice-Marshall Darryl Daniel.
The NSC called for an immediate review of relevant laws, regulations, and practices pertaining to the operations of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) in light of the incident at the Courts Mega Store car park.
