A domestic disturbance call in Belmopan ended in tragedy over the weekend, and tonight police are investigating how twenty-year-old Kevaughn Gabriel died while in custody. According to police, Gabriel’s pregnant ex-girlfriend reported that he showed up at her home on Fidel Castro Street on Saturday morning, forced his way into her room, destroyed her belongings, and threatened to kill her. Officers responded to the distress call, detained Gabriel, and what followed has now become the subject of a police investigation. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith explains the circumstances surrounding his death.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“What we have learned so far is that a female had made calls to the police station stating that Mr. Gabriel, an ex-boyfriend of hers, had entered her home and damaged a number of items and he did this on two occasion. On the second occasion, when police were escorting the female for medical attention because she became distressed because of the circumstance and for her to subsequently formally give her report, Mr. Gabriel was observed and he was apprehended. The officers alighted the vehicle and in the process of formally detaining Mr. Gabriel, the vehicle began to roll backward resulting in the three officers who were responding being struck as well as Mr. Gabriel. The officers received non-life-threatening injuries. However, Mr. Gabriel’s injuries were more fatal and he subsequently passed. Concurrent criminal and internal investigations are being conducted in relation to the death of Mr. Gabriel.”
Shane Williams
“Was Mr. Gabriel restrained by handcuffs while this vehicle was rolling backward?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“I am not sure. That is not on the face of the report. I will have to make inquiries.”
Kevaughn Gabriel
Reporter
“Was the female in the vehicle?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“Yes, the female as well as two minor children that were along with her were in the vehicle at the time. And it was a joint effort from bystanders and the police officers to assist everybody in this most unfortunate incident.”
Shane Williams
“Can you say if any of the responding officers are familiar or have any relationship with the complainant?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“I know that is a narrative that I have seen and I asked and I was clearly told – I was told plainly no. The officers were simply responding to a report that was given.’
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