The police's detention of a pregnant mother and the subsequent birth and death of her premature baby has sparked national outrage. Baby Jahvyn Casey who lived for only three hours was buried yesterday at a graveside ceremony at the Belmopan cemetery. His mother 31 year old Kaila Nunez, who was 6 months pregnant with him at the time, had been stopped by police and after a confrontation she was detained for two nights at the Belmopan Police Station. It was shortly after her release that she went into labor and the baby died.
Today for the first time since 7NEWS broke the story, the police's top brass admitted that their officers did not have to keep Kaila Nunez in lockdown the entire weekend. Superintendent Robert Mariano who heads the Internal Affairs division is leading the investigation into the incident and he told us his probe continues.
Supt. Robert Mariano, Police Internal Affairs
"In relation to the complaint made by Miss Kaila Nunez and her family, the Commissioner had directed me to conduct an investigation into this matter. I am hoping to conclude this investigation within the next week or two and I will be forwarding the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who will be giving me his directive after reading the case file."
Keith Swift,
Until a decision is made, will the 5 officers allegedly involved remain on duty?
Supt. Robert Mariano,
"Yes. That is the reason why we are trying to forward the file to the DPP as quick as possible. When it comes to the wrongdoing of the officers, the Director will consider all the evidence."
Keith Swift,
Should this woman have spent the weekend in that holding cell?
Supt. Robert Mariano,
"Personally I believe that the officer who had arrested her, could have arrested and charged Ms. Nunez and granted her bail immediately or as quick as possible."
Keith Swift,
Ms. Nunez says that above anything she wants an apology from the Department, can she expect that?
Supt. Robert Mariano,
"Well if she deserves it, she will get the apology in fairness to her."
Superintendent Mariano says part of their investigation will include talking to a doctor to determine what exactly what caused baby Jahvyn's death. He says he hopes to forward the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions by next week.
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