The State is facing a $200 million lawsuit from Ashanti Benjamin, the common-law wife of 21-year-old Ronaldo Peters, who was shot and killed by police in Linden earlier this year.
The incident in April sparked protests, and a police sergeant has been charged with murder. Benjamin’s lawsuit claims negligence led to Peters’ death and alleges that his right to life under Article 138 was violated when Sergeant Philbert Kendall discharged his firearm without justification.
In her court application, Benjamin argues that Peters was unarmed and posed no threat, asserting that the use of lethal force was excessive and unlawful. She seeks damages for the failure of police to provide prompt medical care, which she claims contributed to his death.
Benjamin also contends that the police actions violated Article 149, which ensures the right to lawful protection, and Article 141, prohibiting inhuman treatment. She requests the court to address the police conduct during and after the shooting, emphasizing a disregard for citizens’ legal protections.
Peters was shot while at a shop with friends, and video footage shows Kendall dragging his body into a police vehicle instead of seeking immediate medical help. Peters was later pronounced dead at Mackenzie Hospital.
GECOM Seeks Power Assurance from GPL for Tabulation Centres
