Internal & Criminal Investigations Continue Following Camalote Shooting

Joseph Myvett

The spate of shooting started on Monday night in Camalote Village, in the Cayo District when Truman Parham was shot to the abdomen and arm by off-duty Police Corporal Luis Matute. An internal and criminal investigation is currently underway to determine whether the shooting was justified, since multiple recorded statements say that Parham entered the residence of Matute threatening to assault the officer with a machete. Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett told the media that Corporal Matute is not on interdiction and Parham remains hospitalized under police guard as the investigation continues.

ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“Mister Parham had allegedly entered the yard of Corporal Luis Matute armed with a machete. Was making certain comments and advancing towards Corporal Matute who identified himself as a police officer and ordered him to stop. One warning shot was fired which did not desist Mister Parham from continuing. As a result, a second shot was fired which caught him to his left arm in an effort to try and disarm him; however, he continued and that was when the third shot was fired which caught him on the left side of the abdomen.  As a result, he ran into a nearby pasture and made good his escape and thereafter he was transported to the Western Regional Hospital. Police have since commenced an investigation into this matter where Corporal Matute’s licensed, firearm, licensed nine millimeter pistol was retrieved along with a magazine loaded with thirteen live rounds. Two expended shells were retrieved from the scene and police investigation into this matter continues.”

Duane Moody

“Could you talk to us about the internal investigation that is happening in terms of that officer-involved shooting? Was Corporal Matute justified in his response to Mister Parham?”

ACP Joseph Myvett

“Well there is an ongoing investigation at this time and at the end of the investigation then that will determine whatever evidence is gathered as to whether or not any charges will be preferred if so.”

Duane Moody

“So he is on interdiction right now?”

ACP Joseph Myvett

“No he is not.”