KINGSTON, Jamaica – The sister of Ribbiz UltraLounge chef Jermaine Richards, who was shot dead just outside his workplace in January, has expressed her appreciation for the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) which probed the case and laid charges against a policeman involved in the incident.

“I am overjoyed and I am very much appreciative of the work of INDECOM… I am leaving it in God’s hand and in the hands of the justice system that justice will be served,” Richards’ sister, Tureen Vernon, told journalists outside the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

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Corporal Patrick Williams appeared at the court earlier to answer to the charges of murder, using a firearm to commit a felony, to wit; assault occasioning actual bodily harm; assault at common law; and willfully making a false statement to an INDECOM investigator.

Jermaine Richards, the Ribbiz UltraLounge chef who was killed on January 23, 2025.

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Williams was granted bail in the sum of $1 million with one to two sureties and reporting conditions. He is to return to court on April 30 when his case will be mentioned.

Richards was fatally shot on January 23 during a confrontation with an off-duty policeman in the parking lot of the Ardenne Emirates Plaza complex where Ribbiz UltraLounge is located.

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The incident triggered protests from residents of Fleet Street in Kingston where Richards resided, the community members demanding justice for the 40-year-old man they claimed was unjustly killed.

In a statement at the time, the operators of Ribbiz UltraLounge said they were “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of Richards who they remembered as a hardworking and dedicated employee.

Vernon said the family has found it difficult to cope with the death of Richards, who will be laid to rest this Sunday.

“It is still a moment of shock, of disbelief… We are still trying to come to grips that this is really happening,” she said.