Magistrate frees a female police officer of a murder charge in the death of Joshua Etienne 2 years ago

​A Magistrate in Portsmouth has freed police officer Gemma Louis of a murder charge, with respect to the death of Joshua Ettienne, which occurred some two years ago. A total of five police officers were originally charged in that matter.
 
Meanwhile, only police officers Delvin Challenger and Martin Seaman, have been committed to stand trial for murder in the matter. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to bring a prima facie case against Louis, and dismissed the matter against her. This after prime eyewitness Oscar George recanted his testimony, as to what he had seen on the morning of the incident.
 
While giving evidence in the witness stand, George claimed that he had lied, and only said what he had earlier stated, allegedly on instructions from an attorney who informed him. Challenger and Seaman were not as lucky.
 
Although the prosecution’s case against them was significantly weakened by recanted testimonies from state witnesses, the court still upheld the view that there is a prima facie case against them, and they were committed to stand trial at the next criminal assizes.
 
This development is the latest in a matter which has had many surprising turns. Five police officers were originally charged with murder in that case. But the court ruled that the State was unable to produce evidence to establish a prima facie case against constable Orlan Vigille.
 
The State later withdrew charges against Sergeant Hayden Morgan and he was released. But even before that, the original charge of murder was reduced to manslaughter. 
 
Joshua Ettienne was found dead in a police cell in Portsmouth on 4th July, 2014, one day after he was arrested for alleged possession of ammunition. An autopsy on his body revealed serious injuries including broken bones and a punctured organ, among others.