Home Circuit Court. Two cops charged in the controversial shooting deaths of three men in Westmoreland over a decade ago walked free from court on Wednesday. The judge directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts.

Constables Damane Campbell and Kenroy Hinds, both formerly attached to the Westmoreland Police Division, were acquitted in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston. This happened after the judge upheld no-case submissions made by their attorneys, following a four-week trial.

The officers faced three counts of murder related to the 2013 shooting deaths of brothers Andrew and Tristan Brydson. Their cousin Kingsley Green also died in the incident in Shrewsbury, Westmoreland, Jamaica.

The officers involved claimed the men lost their lives during a gun battle. According to them, officers acted on information and confronted armed individuals in the area.

As a result, the police recovered one assault rifle and a handgun following the incident.

However, the police’s account of the incident sparked outrage in the community. Residents of Shrewsbury and nearby Lacovia staged days of protests, disputing the police’s version of events.

The authorities brought charges against the officers following an investigation by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

Throughout the trial, the defense attorneys passionately contended that the prosecution’s evidence fell short of justifying a conviction. This compelling argument prompted the judge to guide the jury toward an acquittal for both men.

Campbell had a strong team, including Peter Champagnie, KC, Samoi Campbell, and Sayeed Bernard. The capable attorney duo of Jacqueline Samuels Brown, KC, and Zara Lewis represented constable Kenroy Hinds.

Man accused of stabbing Excelsior student turns himself in

The man who is accused of stabbing a 13-year-old Excelsior High School student during a family dispute in Harbor View has surrendered to the police.

Investigators have identified the suspect as 29-year-old Kemar Mitchell. He reportedly turned himself in to investigators with the Kingston East Police Division on Thursday evening.

The incident has sparked outrage across social media. It allegedly occurred around 10 p.m. on May 9 at the home of the teenager, Kemelia Paul, located in Bayshore Park, Harbor View, St. Andrew.

Kemelia, a seventh-grade student, was reportedly stabbed during a confrontation involving family members. She has undergone two surgeries so far, with more medical procedures expected