Tears of relief - Grieving mother finds strength as cops detained for son’s killing

November 15, 2024
Kayshan ‘Bem Bem’ Smith
Kayshan ‘Bem Bem’ Smith

With her tears betraying a mixture of raw emotion and profound relief, Kadian Morgan, mother of the late Kayshan 'Bem Bem' Smith, has expressed gratitude for the swift action taken against two policemen who were involved in her son's fatal shooting on Sunday morning.

Smith, 20, along with 17-year-old Oshane Stubbs and 19-year-old Orando Campbell, all of East Kingston addresses, were shot dead by cops. The police reported that, while on patrol, they encountered a group of men along Windward Road. During the encounter, gunfire was exchanged, resulting in the death of three men. One cop sustained a non-life-threatening injury and two illegal firearms were reportedly recovered from the scene.

However, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) said "significant evidence was uncovered" during its early investigative actions which led to it asking the High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to arrest the two cops involved in the incident.

Despite the heavy grief still weighing on her heart, Morgan found solace in the fact that justice may finally be within reach.

"Mi feel stronger and mi feel good like justice is being served," Morgan told THE WEEKEND STAR, her voice tinged with both pain and hope.

"Mi want to thank the bigger heads for stepping in. I cried today but it was tears of relief in a sense because the police dem helping. Mi nah tell no lie, mi thankful for the quick response of the bigger heads. Mi pray to God for the truth and mi a watch everything a unfold. Mi just grateful."

Morgan, who had been seeking justice for her son and his friends, said the quick response was something she could not ignore.

"I prayed for the truth and asked God to watch over us through this whole process," she added. "I'm just thankful that the right people took charge when it mattered most."

The killing of Smith and his friends shocked the East Kingston community and sparked an outpouring of grief and frustration from residents. Morgan, still reeling from the loss, spoke candidly about the challenges of coping with her son's sudden death and the intense emotions that have followed. However, the decision to detain the officers has brought her a glimmer of hope that the truth will come to light.

While the incident is still under investigation, Morgan is resolute in her belief that justice will prevail.

"I am watching everything unfold and I believe the truth will come out," she said.

Morgan admitted that her son didn't always make the best choices in friends or company, but she remained firm in her belief that he did not deserve to die in such a violent manner.

"Mi never take up for my son yet, but there is never a report to say that he was a robber in the community that we live. I can swear for my son when he is in the area," she said.

Morgan told THE WEEKEND STAR that she knew the truth was on the boys' side when the police allowed them to hold candle light vigils in the community.

"The police have not said anything to us and that is why I know that something fishy was going on. We kept a candle light and the police pass and never disturb us. If mi pickney did a shoot after police, dem wouldn't allow that to happen. But there are good officers and have conscience out there. God knows what I am going through and God see that mi take mi pickney and a try bring him up right," she said.

Meanwhile, the Police High Command has expressed its "full support of members who act within the law in the execution of their duties". It said it is committed to the principle of accountability and has pledged its support to INDECOM to ensure that the "ends of justice are served".

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