And turning back now to our headline story - where former police Corporal Kareem Martinez was found guilty of Laddie Gillet's murder, Attorney Dickie Bradley used the opportunity to speak on what he says is the inadequate change in the police department's interaction with minors even after the nationwide backlash that they received in the wake of Laddie Gillett's Death.
Bradley made the point today with the recent case of Dyandre Chi.
Dickie Bradley, Attorney-At-Law
"I've taken time out to focus on a major problem and she actually said before I pronounce my verdict I have a couple of things. To say and you would have heard her refer to the constitution of Belize, several times because the shooting of Laddie Gillett has made no changes whatsoever in the system, none. Only a few weeks ago a police officer issued with a powerful military rifle, 2.3 shot a 19-year-old claiming that the motorcycle was shooting at him and it is clear to us that there is no review, no reform, there is. no assistance given to the commissioner of police by way of personnel by way of training, the lawyers who come to court and say this heartbreaking results, the tragedy here is that nothing can bring back Laddie Gillett but a young police officer in his late 20's will more than likely go to prison for an error that could have been avoided had there been proper training and proper management of police officers, this can't I don't know how you shoot a teenager in the back with a powerful 2.23 that goes straight through you so nothing learned from Laddie Gillett."
But despite Bradley's condemnation, when Kareem Martinez entered the Kolbe foundation tonight, he joined fellow officers Corporal 1463 Esmin Flores and PC 1862 Salomen Cowo who were recently charged with murder in the shooting death of 17-year-old Dyandre Chi. Those officers are expected to apply for Supreme Court bail.
And, on Monday, three officers were also sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing a man in custody.
