Hanover Police Officer Charged with 2023 Murder

The Independent Commission of Investigation (INDECOM) has reported that Constable Mike Edwards, the Hanover police officer implicated in the fatal shooting of a man in Mount Pleasant community in 2023, has been charged with murder.

INDECOM stated that Constable Edwards appeared before the Hanover Parish Court on Tuesday to answer to charges of Murder Contrary to Common Law.

He was granted bail in the sum of $750,000 with one or two sureties after being charged on Monday, following a ruling by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Constable Edwards was charged for the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Avado Samuels, also known as ‘Pew Pew,’ unemployed of Mount Pleasant, who was shot and killed at a Wake Yard in his community on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Reports indicate that around 4:30 am, Samuels and other community members were at a wake yard in the community when Constable Edwards and other police officers from Lucea arrived to turn off the sound system.

An argument ensued between Samuels and the officers, during which he was allegedly held and slapped by the policemen. Samuels retaliated by slapping back one of the officers.

Following the altercation, Samuels was reportedly held by the lawmen, dragged from the venue, and fatally shot.

Immediately after the shooting, residents in the area staged a massive demonstration in Lucea township, alleging that Samuels was killed in cold blood and demanding justice.

Constable Edwards, who posted bail, is scheduled to reappear in the Hanover Parish Court on June 4 for a hearing.