Cops probing alleged removal of video evidence after Subryanville killing
The Guyana Police Force is currently conducting an internal probe into an allegation that an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) removed video evidence from the scene of the alleged murder of Jason De Florimonte, who was fatally shot by Subryanville hotelier Erwin Bacchus.
Police Commissioner Leslie James told a press conference on Thursday that while no official complaint was made to his office, he was aware of the probe.
“I understand there has been a hearing and as a result of that, some instructions were given to the head of crime, Mr. Alves, and to date we have contacted at least one person. We have obtained a statement,” James said.
The ASP is accused of removing video evidence from the scene of the fatal shooting at Subryanville, Georgetown.
James noted that the officer who is the subject of the investigation is currently on annual leave and will be questioned when he returns to perform duties.
“Questions will be posed to him and we expect him to answer,” he said.
Bacchus is currently charged with murdering De Florimonte, who he shot multiple times during a confrontation earlier this year.
Also commenting on the probe was former Crime Chief, Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Williams.
Williams, who was the head of Criminal Investigation Department at the time of the murder, stated that he was not made aware of the allegation while he occupied the office.
He related that an aunt of the deceased visited his office after the initial charge of manslaughter was instituted against Bacchus and expressed her dissatisfaction with the charge.
Williams said during the discussion, “certain things were told to me which immediately caused me to summon investigators and I told them what was told to me by the relative of the deceased and I wish to recommend a further investigation.”
He was quick to note that at no time during the discussion were allegations against the investigator about removing video evidence mentioned.
De Florimonte was fatally shot on August 4th after a confrontation with Bacchus, the owner of the Tourist Villa hotel, located at Lot 95 Fifth Avenue Subryanville, Georgetown, obliquely opposite his house.
After initially charging Bacchus with manslaughter, the police later instituted a murder charge against him.