Forensic Pathologist Testifies in Mario Deane Death Trial, Details Blunt Force Trauma

MONTEGO BAY, St. James – The ongoing trial into the death of Mario Deane in 2014 heard testimony today from Dr. Murari Sarangi, the forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy on the deceased.

Appearing via Zoom before the Westmoreland Circuit Court, the now-retired Dr. Sarangi provided crucial details regarding the injuries sustained by Deane, which he said were consistent with blunt-force trauma.

Dr. Sarangi, who performed the autopsy on September 2, 2014, less than a month after Deane’s passing at the Cornwall Regional Hospital on August 6th of that year, detailed his findings during the ninth day of evidence in the case against Corporal Elaine Stewart and Constables Juliana Clevon and Marlon Grant. The three officers are charged in connection with Deane’s death.

Deane was admitted to the hospital in an unconscious state on August 3rd, 2014, three days after he was reportedly beaten while in custody at the Barnett Street Police Station lock-up. He had been taken into custody for possession of a ganja spliff.

During his testimony, Dr. Sarangi stated that his examination of Deane’s body revealed a bruise on the right side of his head and face, an injury consistent with blunt-force trauma. He explained that such an injury could have resulted from being struck against a wall or with a blunt object.

The court also heard that during his tenure in Jamaica from 1999 to 2023, Dr. Sarangi was the sole forensic pathologist operating in western Jamaica, conducting an average of 1,000 autopsies annually.

The trial was subsequently adjourned and will resume on Wednesday, March 26th, when Dr. Sarangi is scheduled to continue his evidence-in-chief.

Corporal Stewart, Constable Clevon, and Constable Grant are facing charges of manslaughter, misconduct in a public office, and perverting the course of justice. The allegations against them stem from their alleged presence on duty at the Barnett Street lock-up at the time Deane was reportedly assaulted. Additionally, Corporal Stewart is accused of ordering the cleaning of the cell where the beating allegedly occurred before investigators from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) arrived at the scene.