Could Woman’s Beating Death Have Been Prevented?

Mercerdez Pais

Could the police have prevented the death of Angela Rodriguez during an attack last Monday? Family members are saying that her death could have been averted if police had detained Mercerdez Pais, who reportedly gave a statement about a premeditated attack on his common-law wife, Roxana Garcia. Last Monday, Pais attacked Garcia, Emerita Flores and Angela Rodriguez and beat them with a metal rod. But there are reports that a protection order was in place against him and that he was released from police custody prior to the attack. ACP Joseph Myvett explains the situation.

Joseph Myvett

ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“The police was not aware that he had made a statement on social media. The first time he came to the station was on Sunday morning when one of the complainants visited the station to say that she had a protection order against Mister Pais. Mister Pais arrived at the San Ignacio Police Station some five minutes after her and he indicated to the police that he had absolutely no knowledge of a restraining order. As a result, the officer on duty made a research and printed a copy of the order which he gave to Mister Pais, explaining to him what the circumstances were. At that point in time, no other complaint was made against Mister Pais other than to say that he was seen around the area. The police became aware of an incident on Monday night around 9:40 p.m.  As a result, the police responded to the scene of the incident where those three persons were found injured. It was at 9:50 p.m. on the same night that Mister Pais visited the police station and handing in himself.”

Garcia and Flores remain in a stable condition at the San Ignacio Community Hospital.