June 22, 2021 – The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) responded to and began investigations into the death in custody of 20 year old, Markland Hayles at the Lionel Town Police Station, Clarendon on Monday, June 21, 2021.

The police reported that during the distribution of meals, Mr. Hayles was seen hanging from the back vent grill of the cell by a cord and a merino. It was further reported that Mr. Hayles was observed earlier that morning during cell inspection.

The police have stated that Mr. Hayles was the only inmate being housed in the cell at the time of his death.

An officer who was assigned to cell guard duty provided an initial account to INDECOM Investigators and other officers will be required to furnish a statement and attend the offices of INDECOM to be interviewed, as required, in relation to this incident.

The investigation is in its early stages and will include the review of the station diaries as well as the recording of statements from other inmates. These actions will assist in determining the sequence of events from the time at which Mr. Hayles was taken into police custody until he died. The post mortem examination will also provide confirmation of his cause of death.

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