ODPP Indicted Two Police Officers For Wounding With Intent. On Thursday, July 18, 2025, two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force appeared before the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court.
The matter before the court was a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on January 1, 2024, in Seaview Gardens, Kingston. The officers charged are Corporal Lavon Francis and Corporal Kawain Johnson.
The allegation stated that on the day of the incident, a group of individuals opened gunfire at the two officers.
As a result, the officers responded with gunfire, hitting one of the individuals. And the police reported that they recovered one firearm from the scene.
But, an eyewitness claimed that the injured man was not armed.
The authorities reported the shooting to Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM). And INDECOM launched an investigation.
After completing its investigation, INDECOM submitted the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
As a result, the ODPP decided to charge Corporal Francis and Corporal Johnson with wounding with intent.
The court granted both officers $1 million bail, with one to two sureties and reporting conditions in place. They are scheduled to reappear in court on October 28.
Since January 1, 2025, 11 law enforcement officers have been charged. This includes 10 JCF members and one DCS officer. These charges are in connection with cases investigated by INDECOM.
In 2024, 24 JCF members, three DCS officers, and one member of the JDF faced charges. The charges were related to investigations conducted by INDECOM. These investigations included cases involving fatal shootings.
In total, 39 law enforcement officers have been charged since 2024 after investigations by INDECOM.
In Other News, veteran entertainment journalist Winford Williams was involved in a motor vehicle crash. The incident occurred on Sunday morning, July 20. The long-serving producer and presenter of the Jamaican entertainment program, OnStage, has reportedly sustained injuries. He is being treated at Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St James.