Update: Turks & Caicos Police To Probe Fatal Shooting Of Escapee

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Melissa Edwards/BVI Platinum News
Santo Yamarco Hernandez

(PLTM) - An independent probe will be conducted into the shooting death of prison escapee, Santo Yamarco Hernandez, which occurred on December 6.

Hernandez, a native of Santo Domingo, who was charged for the murder of Alston Penn, was shot and killed in the Butu Mountain by officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force during an alleged confrontation.

He was taken to the Peebles Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

On Thursday afternoon, December 7, police in a press release stated that as is standard protocol in any police-involved shooting with a force weapon, there will be an investigation into the incident.

"Therefore, following consultation yesterday morning with His Excellency the Governor, the decision was taken to have an independent police force investigate the incident," police stated.

Commissioner James Smith of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force has agreed to undertake the investigations and officers from that force will arrive in Territory tomorrow, December 8.

Acting Commissioner Alwin James stated that it is necessary for persons to have confidence in the process.

“This is an opportunity to offer the transparency needed for evaluating officers’ actions in this incident."

James continued, "We must be prepared to review our actions and allow others to do the same. This is a critical component to the service we provide to the public."

Investigations in relation to Hernandez whereabouts prior to the incident continue, therefore persons with information are asked to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

Previous Article Published December 7 - Prison Escapee Shot By Police Dies

BVI Platinum News understands that prison escapee Santo Hernandez, who was yesterday, December 6 recaptured by police, died at the hospital last night.

Hernandez was shot and injured during a police operation in the Butu Mountain area yesterday morning.

He is a native of Santo Domingo and was charged with the murder of Alston Penn and was among three prisoners of Her Majesty's Prison who remained at large, following the escape of over 100 inmates during the passage of Hurricane Irma in September.

According to police, following receipt of intelligence, officers made a search of a residence in Butu Mountain yesterday.

"Hernandez aggressively engaged the officers. Shots were discharged by police and Hernandez was subdued, apprehended and taken to Peebles Hospital. He is presently in stable condition and under police security," police stated following the operation yesterday.

The press release did not indicate whether Hernandez was also armed.

BVI Platinum News will be following this story.

Previous Article Published December 6 - Prison Escapee Shot By Police

Prison escapee, Santo Hernandez was injured during a police operation in the Butu Mountain area this morning, December 6.

Hernandez, a native of Santo Domingo, is charged with the murder of Alston Penn and was among three prisoners of Her Majesty's Prison who remained at large, following the escape of over 100 inmates during the passage of Hurricane Irma in September.

Police in a press release stated that an operation early this morning by officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force led to the recapture of Hernandez.

According to police, following receipt of intelligence, officers made a search of a residence in Butu Mountain.

"Hernandez aggressively engaged the officers. Shots were discharged by police and Hernandez was subdued, apprehended and taken to Peebles Hospital. He is presently in stable condition and under police security," police stated.

The press release did not indicate whether Hernandez was also armed.

Investigations in relation to this incident are ongoing, including persons seen around the premises prior to the operation, therefore persons with information are asked to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339.

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