Verdict expected today in inquest of blind man killed by police

Fri, May 5th 2023, 07:44 AM

The police officer who shot and killed an unarmed, blind man on Thursday elected not to testify at the coroner's inquest into the fatal shooting.

Sergeant Sherwin Braynen is not on trial for the January 26, 2018 shooting death of 36-year-old Courtney Thompson as the inquest does not determine civil or criminal liability.

The jury is expected to deliver a verdict in the matter today.

According to police, Thompson was a pillion passenger on a scooter driven by his son, Elvardo Thompson.

Police allege that the driver of the scooter pointed a firearm at the patrol car with his right hand, prompting Braynen to fire a single shot from his service revolver, hitting his passenger in the neck.

On the other hand, Thompson denied that he had a gun. He said that his hands remained on the bike's handlebars at all times.

Surveillance footage of the area does not show the cyclist pointing a gun at the officers.

Thompson said that he took his blind father to buy wings from a restaurant on Plantol Street and Irish Spring Court. Thompson testified that after getting the food from the restaurant, a patrol car passed and he said, "Oh (expletive), the man."

Thompson said that he made this remark because his bike was unlicensed and uninsured and the police had previously impounded his bike.

Thompson said that as he tried to avoid the police, the patrol car bumped him from behind, causing him to lose his balance. He said he heard a gunshot, which caused him to panic and speed off.

Seconds later, Thompson said he felt his father fall off the bike. However, Thompson said he rode home because he was afraid.

He said he told his grandmother to check on his father, and he later learned that his dad was dead.

Thompson denied having a gun that night and he said he never pointed a weapon at the officers.

Thompson said that police never came looking for him, neither were there wanted bulletins posted.

Previous witnesses at the inquest have said that the alleged gunman was never found.

Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux will address the five-member jury before they deliberate.

Patrick Sweeting is the Coroner's Court Marshall. K Melvin Munroe represents Braynen and Joel Seymour is holding a watching brief for the family of the deceased.

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