St James Constable Remanded In Latoya Bulgin Murder Case

A police constable from St James who is accused of murdering 45-year-old Latoya 'Buju' Bulgin has been refused bail, as anger in Granville continues over the fatal shooting. Constable Andrew Wilson appeared in the St James Parish Court on Monday in relation to Bulgin's May 17 death and was ordered to remain in custody until June 16 after a bail application before Parish Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton.

Judge Fairclough-Hylton said bail was being withheld to help preserve public order. She referred to Wilson's role as a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and to reports that Bulgin was shot while a peaceful demonstration was taking place over an earlier alleged police shooting in Granville.

The prosecution told the court that the accounts of Wilson's alleged conduct did not appear consistent with self-defence. Prosecutors also submitted that, if released, the constable could seek to influence civilian witnesses or fail to return to court.

The hearing was further told that the prosecution file is still incomplete. Among the items not yet before the court are an additional statement connected to CCTV material, a ballistic forensic certificate, a statement from the arresting officer, and transcripts of interviews with police personnel who were present at the scene.

Wilson is represented by attorney-at-law Michael Hemmings. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions decided on Friday, May 29, that he should be charged with murder arising from Bulgin's killing.

The case drew national attention after CCTV footage was shared online, allegedly showing a policeman shooting at a vehicle being driven by Bulgin. After the incident, upset Granville residents staged fiery protests, called for justice, and again pressed for body-worn cameras to be used during high-risk police operations.