By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS 

Tribune Staff Reporter 

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net 

POLICE Commissioner Shanta Knowles has rejected suggestions of impropriety in the investigation into the death of Lasheiko Pratt, who died in police custody, insisting officers have “nothing to hide” as the victim’s family pushes for an independent autopsy.

Last week, Pratt’s mother, Cheryl Larrimore, said she does not accept the police narrative and believes her son may have died as a result of police brutality. 

Pratt, 35, a mechanic with the Ministry of Works, died while in police custody during what officers described as a confrontation as they attempted to escort him from his cell for a scheduled court appearance. 

Police said he resisted instructions and became aggressive, prompting officers to intervene. He later became unresponsive and was pronounced dead. 

Ms Larrimore said she saw no visible marks or bruises on her son’s body and learned of his death only through social media, despite being at the Magistrate’s Court that morning to sign bail for him. 

She described her son as quiet and well-liked and said the family does not trust the explanation provided by the police and intends to pursue legal action. 

Commissioner Knowles extended condolences and said the family is entitled to seek an independent post-mortem examination. 

“She has a right to ask for an independent autopsy, of course, that is at her own expense, and if she gets it, I do believe she will get the very same results,” she said. 

The commissioner said police are continuing their investigation, which will be submitted to His Majesty’s Coroner, who will determine whether an inquest or criminal proceedings are warranted. 

“We have nothing to hide as we investigate this matter, and I’m hoping that we can have it quickly, our part of the work quickly completed, so that we can send it off over to His Majesty’s coroner,” she said. 

“We will not prosecute this matter. This is something that the coroner will deal with.” 

Asked whether she had spoken personally with Pratt’s family, Commissioner Knowles said she had not, but confirmed that police have been in contact with relatives. 

Pratt had no children and lived with his mother off Faith Avenue. He was arrested days before his death on burglary allegations arising from a long-standing dispute with a neighbour. 

Ms Larrimore has said her son was “healthy, good as ever” when taken into custody and remains adamant that “something ain’t right,” insisting he should have been safe while in police care.