Calls for accountability after fatal police shooting of Latoya Bulgin in Granville

Pressure is mounting for a full account of Sunday’s fatal police shooting of 45-year-old Latoya “Buju” Bulgin in Granville, St. James, after residents alleged she had been singled out by police following an earlier incident in the community.

People in Granville, some speaking anonymously because of fear, described Bulgin as strong-willed and outspoken. A woman who said she was in the vehicle during the traffic stop claimed Bulgin told her she felt she was being targeted after police signalled for the car to stop. According to that account, Bulgin presented a foreign driver’s licence before she was shot.

Granville division councillor Michael Troupe said Bulgin had a prior encounter with the same officer after a Mother’s Day shooting in the area. He alleged she had picked up a spent shell casing and that the officer later referred to that incident before Sunday’s shooting. Troupe said the allegation suggested Bulgin had been “marked for death.”

The Jamaica Constabulary Force has interdicted the officer while investigations continue, and INDECOM has opened a probe. However, Opposition spokesperson on youth and human rights Isaac Buchanan, who said he represents Bulgin’s family, argued that Jamaicans need more than routine procedural updates.

Buchanan said the case raises questions about police accountability, constitutional protections and the absence of body-worn cameras at the scene. He called on National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang to address the country and outline the Government’s position and actions.

Church groups also joined the calls for answers. The Watchman Church Leaders Alliance said it was grieving and alarmed, while the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches condemned what it described as the shameful handling of Bulgin’s body after the shooting and urged an investigation with a clear timetable and measurable accountability.