WATCH: Accused murderer denies being assaulted by police while in custody
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Despite allegations that he was assaulted while in police custody, video footage of accused quintuple murderer, Rushane Barnett, has surfaced proving otherwise.
In a six-minute clip now being circulated on social media, Barnett can be heard telling Dr Andrei Cooke, former chairman of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) and two justices that he was not being beaten by officers nor was he being assaulted by other inmates during lock-up.
Barnett who is stripped down to his underwear in the footage, showed no visible signs of abuse as the camera explored his body. Before the physical examination, Barnett is asked repeatedly by Cooke, if he was being abused by police — his answer, a consistent no.
“Have you been hit by any police officer since you’ve been in this lock-up,” asked Cooke.
“No, me never been hit by any of them still…no, no, no hitting,” Barnett said.
“Have you been hit by any prisoners,” Cooke also asked to which Barnett responded, “no, haven’t been hit by any prisoners.”
He however indicated that he has had a recurring pain on the left side of his torso. He said he has informed officers of the pain but shared that they neglect to pay him any mind. He also shared that the pain was a problem before he was taken into custody.
The sentiments expressed by Barnett in the footage, is a stark contrast to that which was presented to Justice Leighton Pusey, during the accused man’s first appearance in the Home Circuit Court on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
As a result, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) on Thursday said it would be launching a probe into Barnett’s allegations.
READ: INDECOM probes alleged assault of mass murder accused
Barnett is accused of killing his cousin Kimeisha Wright, 31 and her four children Kimanda Smith, 15; Shara-Lee Smith, 10; Rafaella Smith, five; and 23-month-old Kishawn Henry. Allegations are that Barnett slashed the throats and inflicted stab wounds on the victims on the night of June 20 in Coco Piece District, Clarendon.