Philo Wallace
The inquest into the death of 17 year old Philo Wallace has returned a not guilty verdict against the police officer. They ruled that the officer acted in self defense.
This means that the police officer who shot and killed Philo Wallace will not stand trial for the teen’s death.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy confirmed Thursday, that an inquest’s jury had ruled 4-1 that the killing was justifiable homicide. He declined at the time to comment further.
Magistrate Yasmine Clarke gave her summation on Thursday after which the jury would have deliberated.
Reports are that following the announcement of the verdict the officer’s lawyer visited him at the Police Station to let him know that he would not be charged criminally in the matter.
Twenty six witnesses gave testimony at Philo Wallace Coroner’s Inquest that opened in January 2016. Her Ladyship, Yasmine Clarke presided over the Inquest which was held in camera(private) at the Magistrate’s Court, Nevis.
A five member jury was deployed to listen to statements documented by the Royal St. Kitts and Nevis Police Force and the pathologist’s report were released in the inquest.
Hugh Oswald Wallace, Philo’s father was the first witness to give evidence. Dr Henry Browne(Q.C) represented the Wallace family. The former Attorney General,Jason Hamilton, along with Attorneys Marsha Henderson and Vaughn Woodley appeared on behalf of the police officer.
Philo Wallace, a promising 17-year-old cricketer of Hamilton Village in Nevis, was shot and killed by an off-duty policeman on October 17 last year, which resulted in a public outcry for justice. Wallace played for Nevis’ youth team and senior team, and the Leeward’s youth team. He made the most runs in the Leeward Island Youth Tournament last year.