Three Police Officers Found Guilty in 2014 Death of Mario Deane

Westmoreland, Jamaica – More than a decade after the brutal death of Mario Deane while in police custody, justice took a decisive turn on Thursday, as the Westmoreland Circuit Court found three officers guilty on multiple charges related to the case.

Following just two hours of deliberation, a seven-member jury delivered guilty verdicts against Corporal Elaine Stewart, Constable Juliana Clevon, and Constable Marlon Grant. The trio was convicted of manslaughter and misconduct in a public office in connection with the August 2014 incident. Corporal Stewart was additionally found guilty of committing acts intended to pervert the course of justice.

Custody Death Sparked Outrage

Mario Deane, 31, died on August 6, 2014—three days after sustaining a fatal beating inside the Barnett Street Police Station lock-up in St James. He had been arrested for possession of a ganja spliff, a minor offense that drew national scrutiny after his death.

The prosecution argued that the officers were on duty and failed in their responsibility to protect Deane from harm. More damning was the accusation that Corporal Stewart ordered the cleaning of the cell where Deane was attacked, allegedly to interfere with the investigation, prior to the arrival of the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).

Sentencing Set for July

High Court Justice Courtney Daye, who presided over the trial, has scheduled sentencing for July 1. All three officers remain out on bail until then, under strict conditions. They are required to report twice weekly to the Area One Police Division headquarters in St James.

A Milestone in Police Accountability

The verdict marks a significant moment in Jamaica’s ongoing struggle with police accountability and custodial deaths. The Mario Deane case has long been cited as a symbol of systemic abuse and sparked widespread protests and human rights advocacy both locally and internationally.

While Deane’s family and supporters have waited nearly 11 years for this outcome, the convictions may offer a measure of closure and serve as a reminder of the enduring demand for justice and institutional reform.