Inmate shot dead in Tamarind Farm escape attempt

An attempted escape at the Tamarind Farm Adult Correctional Centre in St Catherine turned deadly on Wednesday when one of two inmates on the run was shot by correctional officers during a pursuit.

Dead is 33-year-old Odane Hyatt of Rosehall district in Linstead.

Reports are that about 10:07 am, Hyatt and another inmate were among a group of 14 prisoners assigned to a work party carrying out hard labour on the compound.

During a routine muster, correctional officers realised that two inmates were missing, triggering an immediate search.

The men were later spotted some distance away in a restricted area. Officers reportedly ordered them to return to the group, but they refused and fled.

A chase ensued, during which correctional personnel discharged their weapons in the direction of the fleeing inmates.

Hyatt was later found suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

He was transported to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The other inmate was recaptured and taken back into custody.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has since launched a probe into the fatal incident.

- Rasbert Turner

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