28-year-old PC Kristian Genty formerly of the Western Division Task Force appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of PC Clarence Gilkes

28-year-old PC Kristian Genty formerly of the Western Division Task Force appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of PC Clarence Gilkes who was shot during an incident at Rich Plain Road in Diego Martin in April.

WPC Krystal Williams-Bowman was jointly charged with shooting at resident J’lano Romney with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

Bowman was released on $500,000 bail granted to her initially by a Justice of the Peace while Genty was remanded in custody and advised of his rights to apply before a High Court Judge for bail.

Gilkes was shot behind the neck on Friday April 2022, by a police gun and initial reports incident he was shot by resident J’lano Romney who said he was the one being shot at police and they had shot their own colleague while shooting at him.

Ballistics later confirmed Romney’s version of events and he eventually surrendered to the police via the Police Complaints Authority and gave a detailed statement on that fateful day.

TTPS Press Release:

Two police officers were charged today, Saturday 6th August 2022 in relation to shooting incidents at Rich Plain, Diego Martin, which resulted in the death of PC Clarence Gilkes.

On Friday 5th August 2022, Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Roger Gaspard, SC, advised that No. 19257 PC KRISTIAN GENTY and No. 20920 WPC CRYSTAL WILLIAMS-BOWMAN be jointly charged with shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and PC KRISTIAN GENTY be charged for the murder of PC Clarence Gilkes.

PC KRISTIAN GENTY, 28, of Diego Martin, and WPC CRYSTAL WILLIAMS-BOWMAN, 30, of East Dry River, Port-of-Spain, were both on suspension and were last attached to the Western Division Task Force.

WPC CRYSTAL WILLIAMS-BOWMAN was granted bail with a surety in the sum of $500,000 at the St Joseph Police Station by Justice of the Peace Stephen Young. Both accused are due to appear at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates’ Court on Monday 8th August 2022.

On Friday 22nd April 2022, while at Upper Rich Plain Road, Diego Martin, PC Gilkes, PC Genty and WPC Williams-Bowman, who were all on duty and armed with Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) issued firearms allegedly approached a man and fired several shots at him. In so doing, PC Genty whilst firing shots at the man, allegedly shot PC Gilkes, who was conveyed to the St James Medical Health Facility where he succumbed to his injuries.

In a response to the officers being charged, Acting Commissioner of Police, Mc Donald Jacob stated that he had previously given the public the assurance that the matter would be investigated thoroughly, and correct procedure would be followed. He said he was satisfied that this was done, and he said he will keep the public informed about any other matters arising out of the investigation. The Acting COP also thanked all the investigators who worked assiduously on the case.

He added that officers of the Victim and Witness Support Unit and Social Work Unit will provide the necessary counsel and support needed to the officers and the families involved in this matter. The Acting Commissioner also stated that he was also aware that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association will also assist by providing the necessary legal support for the officers.

Investigations were conducted by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Ag), Joseph Chandool, Woman Senior Superintendent, Suzette Martin of the Professional Standards Bureau, the Criminal Investigations Department and included Sgt (Ag.) Mohammed, Cpl (Ag.) Joefield, WPC Charles, WPC Mc Lean, W/Cpl (Ag.) Sampson and PC Heera.

Corporate Communications Unit

August 6th, 2022

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