Suspected suicide at Tower Street prison

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) is probing the death of an isolated inmate who was found hanging in a cell Sunday morning at the Tower Street Adult Correction Centre.

The police and the Department of Correctional Services are also investigating the death of 34-year-old Oshane Smith.

The Gleaner understands that Smith had attacked and wounded his cellmates with a sharp object on Saturday and was restrained by the warders and subsequently placed in isolation by the prison staff.

Smith’s suspended body was reportedly discovered at 8:07 a.m. Sunday during routine cell checks, but was not formally reported to the police until 5:08 p.m., nine hours later.

A team from INDECOM visited the facility on Sunday, The Gleaner understands.

INDECOM is the agency that carries out investigations concerning actions by the security forces and other agents of the State that result in death or injury to persons or the abuse of the rights of persons; and for connected matters.

Smith was found hanging by a piece of rope made from twisted cloth, tied to the grille of the cell window.

“About four prisoners get stab up. We’re not sure what transpired. It is being investigated ... ,” a source from within the corrections facility told The Gleaner.

“... It seem something triggered his behaviour wid the man dem inna the cell Saturday. Dem isolate at a place inna ya called ‘Jail’.”

The Elletson Road Criminal Investigation Branch is investigating a case of suspected suicide.