The police file concerning the death of Delon Lawrence, who died in custody in April under suspicious circumstances, has been officially submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice. This move follows the conclusion of an investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
Lawrence, a 38-year-old laborer from De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara, was arrested on the night of March 15 after allegedly stabbing a woman aboard a Route 31 minibus. He died just hours later while in police custody.
On Wednesday, police confirmed that one suspect has been arrested and questioned regarding Lawrence’s death.
A post-mortem examination conducted on April 14 by government pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh revealed that Lawrence died from a subdural hemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head, compounded by multiple fractured ribs—injuries consistent with a beating.
The events leading to Lawrence’s death began on March 15 when he allegedly attacked 21-year-old Fiona Jones, a security officer attached to the United States Embassy. Jones reported that she was sitting at the back of the minibus when Lawrence pulled a knife from his waistband and began stabbing her and other passengers.
The driver stopped the vehicle, prompting other passengers to flee, leaving Jones trapped with Lawrence. She managed to escape, and members of the public intervened, reportedly beating Lawrence before handing him over to the police.
When officers arrived on the La Grange Public Road, they found Lawrence being pursued and assaulted by civilians. Police stated that he resisted arrest and allegedly lifted one constable off the ground in a chokehold before being subdued with the help of other officers and bystanders. He was then transported to the La Grange Police Station.
Due to his continued disorderly behavior, Lawrence was transferred to the Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, where he was placed in the walkway of the lock-ups and monitored. According to police, he appeared responsive during routine checks.
However, around 1:57 a.m. on March 16, officers reported finding Lawrence unresponsive. Emergency medical technicians were called, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident has prompted an immediate investigation by the OPR, and the family of Lawrence is seeking answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Further updates are expected as the DPP reviews the case.
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