August 2nd, 2017 -- Members of the Foundation for Social Concerns(FSC), among them, Hugh Oswald Wallace, father of Philo Wallace, who was allegedly murdered in cold blood by Constable Zavier Jeffers, say they will continue to seek justice for Wallace’s family. Wallace has attended FSC meetings ever since his son was murdered. The group gives crime victims support and also responds to the basic needs of a few ex-prisoners.
FSC also lobbies existing structures to fight crime in a professional and transparent way. Wallace, who would have celebrated his 20th birthday in March 13, 2017, attended a party last October at Enrique’s night club in Charlestown. It is alleged that an altercation between him and an off duty officer ensued. Young Wallace was then shot in the night club in his chest by the officer and ran towards the exit. He was rushed to the Alexander hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
In November, then Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Arudranauth Gossai requested to the Magistrate court a coroner’s inquest into the death of Philo Wallace. The inquest was to inquire on who died, when they died and how they died. Whether or not to press charges would be left to the Director of Public Prosecution after looking at the evidence, according to the official. It was emphasized the inquest held at the Magistrate court was “just an inquiry process.”
According to the law “all inquisitions and records of proceeding at any inquest shall be transmitted the Director of Public Prosecution within seven days of the inquest date.” Deputy Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy confirmed at the time that an inquest’s jury had ruled 4-1 that the killing was justifiable homicide. The inquest into the death of 17 year old Philo Wallace has returned a not guilty verdict against the police officer. They ruled that the officer acted in self defense.
On March 10, 2016, Magistrate Yasmine Clarke gave her summation in the inquest of the death of 17 year old Philo Wallace, to a five member jury who deliberated for two hours and rendered, 4-1, a justifiable homicide verdict against Constable Jeffers FSC maintains that it is not within the purview of the Coroner’s Inquest to return a verdict of justifiable homicide, or verdict of not guilty. Those would be actions that can only be taken by the High Court. The court official said that the verdict does not determine whether or not the officer is guilty or not “he was not acquitted of any crime.”
The official said an inquest is not a criminal proceeding or a trial. Wallace’s inquest file was turned over to the DPP earlier this week. In a taped interview with Hugh “Raffie” Wallace conducted by Freedom FM Wallace told the interviewer he never trusted the inquest. “From day one I said, and I still say it, but I expect it,” Wallace said. “Police investigating police I never trusted it from early.” This means that the police officer who shot and killed Philo Wallace will not stand trial for the teen’s death. Magistrate Yasmine Clarke gave her summation on Thursday after which the jury would have deliberated.
Reports are that following the announcement of the verdict the officer’s lawyer visited him at the Police Station to let him know that he would not be charged criminally in the matter. Twenty six witnesses gave testimony at Philo Wallace Coroner’s Inquest that opened in January 2016. Her Ladyship, Yasmine Clarke presided over the Inquest which was held in camera(private) at the Magistrate’s Court, Nevis.
A five member jury was deployed to listen to statements documented by the Royal St. Kitts and Nevis Police Force and the pathologist’s report were released in the inquest. Hugh Oswald Wallace, Philo’s father was the first witness to give evidence. Dr Henry Browne(Q.C) represented the Wallace family. The former Attorney General, Jason Hamilton, along with Attorneys Marsha Henderson and Vaughn Woodley appeared on behalf of the police officer. The current DPP, appointed last year, has reviewed the transcript of the Coroner’s Inquest, but has not yet released his findings. Ruth Powell, Chairperson Foundation for Social Concerns 469-3036 661-3758
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