November 10, 2026
Police constable charged in relation to fatal shooting and wounding incident in 2024
Written byMarlene Freeman
Police Constable Orlando Garricks has been charged in relation to a fatal shooting and a wounding incident which occurred on October 13, 2024 at the Ewarton Sports Complex in St. Catherine.
In a release today, the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), said the incident resulted in the death of Vivian Francis. It’s reported that a woman sustained a gunshot wound during a party at which the victims and Constable Garricks were patrons.
It is alleged that an altercation occurred and the officer discharged his firearm.
According to Indecom, in his account of the incident, Garricks reported that he acted in self-defence. However, eye witness accounts obtained during Indecom’s investigation differed from the officer’s account of the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Following investigative actions by Indecom, a file was submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for a ruling.
The ruling received by Indecom, indicated that Constable Garricks should be charged with murder and wounding with intent.
The constable was offered bail in the sum of $1 million dollars with one to three sureties and reporting conditions.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on November 13.
Meantime, the commission continues to advance matters arising from its independent investigations, with 77 matters before the court.
Of these, 43 matters relate to fatal shooting incidents involving members of the security forces.
