Khalid Shabazz, the father of Rashawn Shabazz, who died in the custody of the Presiding Officers at His Majesty’s Prison on Thursday, July 23, is calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son’s death. Shabazz outlined what he described as a number of inconsistencies and injustices that, he says, are not reflected in the official police account. He argued that the police cannot be trusted to investigate themselves, citing what he believes to be a pattern of similar cases.
“Certainly, when you have a situation like this, when they are asked to investigate themselves, we don’t think that it’s right. We think that an independent investigation should be conducted by an independent body, not affiliated with the police,” Shabazz said.
He stressed that his son should never have been remanded to prison, arguing that the environment is unsuitable for someone living with mental health disorders. He further expressed his suspicion that his son died while in police custody, detailing his understanding that Rashawn arrived at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre unresponsive.
“I spoke to the doctor. Understood from the doctor that when he came in he was not alive. His heart had stopped. So we can only conclude that that had either transpired on the way to the hospital, or at the prison,” he added.
Shabazz maintains that he will relentlessly pursue the matter, saying it represents more than a quest for justice for his son. He believes an independent investigation is necessary to ensure accountability from those entrusted with authority, adding that while it is his family today, it could just as easily be another family’s tragedy tomorrow.
The father and community activist says he will continue his campaign to ensure justice is served, insisting that the process must begin with a thorough and independent investigation.