KINGSTON, Jamaica— Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Western, the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Dr Angela Brown Burke, has expressed concern following the fatal shooting by the police of 20-year-old Shamar Riley, a resident of York Avenue, Kingston 11, early Saturday morning.
Riley was reportedly shot and killed by the police after he sought to challenge them in a gun battle.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy. Shamar Riley was known and respected within his community, and residents have been adamant in their defence of his good character. I stand with them in calling for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death at the hands of police officers,” Brown Burke said in a statement on Saturday.
“This incident is particularly distressing given the ongoing efforts within the community to build stronger, more positive relationships with law enforcement to create a safer environment for all. This loss undermines that trust and threatens the progress that has been made,” she continued.
The PNP Chairman urged eyewitnesses to come forward and make contact with the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) to provide statements and “ensure that the truth is brought to light”.
“Every voice and every account matters. We must all work together to ensure that justice prevails and that Shamar’s family and the wider community receive the answers they deserve. No life should be lost without accountability and truth,” Brown-Burke added.
She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Riley’s family, the residents of York Avenue, and the broader Kingston 11 community during this difficult time.
“We grieve together, and we stand together. We will not rest until there is clarity, accountability, and the justice that Shamar and his loved ones deserve.”