A 30-year-old man held in police custody at the Cove and John Police Station died early Tuesday morning after reportedly falling ill while in the lockups.
The deceased has been identified as Jordan Payne of South Haslington, East Coast Demerara.
According to police, Payne had been in custody since March 20, 2026, after he was arrested for offences including assault, domestic violence and resisting arrest, allegedly committed against a 27-year-old woman from the same community.
Investigators said Payne complained of feeling unwell on March 21, during which time he was vomiting. He was escorted to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he received medical attention before being returned to custody.
Police reported that just before midnight on March 23, while in the lockups with two other prisoners, Payne again complained of feeling unwell. Officers stated that at around 00:00hrs on March 24, Payne reported feeling “upset” and requested water, which was provided by a rank on duty.
Moments later, other prisoners reportedly raised an alarm after Payne collapsed inside the lockup. Emergency Medical Technicians were contacted, but Payne was subsequently transported in a police vehicle to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he arrived in an unconscious condition at approximately 00:25hrs.
He was examined by a doctor on duty and was pronounced dead at around 00:30hrs.
Police said a preliminary examination of Payne’s body conducted by investigators revealed no visible marks of violence. The body is currently at the Enmore Regional Hospital mortuary awaiting further procedures, including an autopsy.
Meanwhile, the situation at the hospital became tense as relatives and friends of the deceased gathered, raising allegations of police brutality. Family members initially claimed that Payne’s body bore marks of violence. However, authorities reportedly facilitated a viewing of the body in the presence of police ranks and medical personnel, during which—according to police—no visible signs of violence were observed.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death are ongoing.
