2 weeks after cop was slain criminal file is forwarded to D.P.P.

Dean Yearwood

Detective Constable Dean Yearwood was shot and killed by a fellow officer in the early hours of September eighth while pursuing a pair of robbers who attacked him, as he made his way down Central American Boulevard.  The twenty-four year old was mortally wounded after being hit in the back by a single round, one of eleven discharged from a service weapon issued to police constable Glen Wayne Grant.  In the immediate aftermath of the fatal mishap, the brass of the Belize Police Department held a press conference during which it was announced that a criminal, as well as an internal investigation into the deadly shooting would be launched simultaneously.  It has been a little over two weeks since the incident and according to Police Commissioner Allen Whylie, a file, resulting from a criminal investigation into the matter, has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Allen Whylie, Commissioner of Police

“As I said the matter would have been thoroughly investigated.  It has been investigated and we have put the file together and I was assured by the investigator that the file had been submitted to the D.P.P.’s office.”

Isani Cayetano

“What happens with regards to the ongoing therapy that was offered to police constable Glen Wayne Grant?”

Allen Whylie

Allen Whylie

“Yes, that continues.  PC Grant still remains on administrative leave and the Ministry of Health continues to assist us in terms of counseling for him.”

Isani Cayetano

“Now, two investigations were launched, a criminal investigation, as well as an investigation conducted by the Internal Affairs Department.  The fact that this case has been forwarded to the D.P.P. does that mean then that, depending on her finding, this may proceed to court?”

Allen Whylie

“Yes, as I had indicated when we had the press briefing, it is a criminal investigation, as well as an internal investigation and as protocol those investigation files are sent to the D.P.P.’s office.  So the D.P.P., as soon as she is finished, then she will direct us in terms of whether or not further investigation is required or where we go from here.”

Dean Yearwood was one of two persons gravely injured during the fatal shooting.  The other individual, identified as Brian Vasquez, was also shot in the back, purportedly by PC Glen Wayne Grant.