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Police Prepared to Charge The Cop Who Beat Shol
posted (December 20, 2012)
Since Monday, 7News has been reporting on the death of 53 year-old Francisco Shol, a resident of PG, who is also the father of 10 children.

His family says that police officers not assigned to the Punta Gorda Police Station beat him badly outside the PG Sports bar - and those injuries led to his death.

Well, despite the public pressure which has been brought by residents of PG, specifically the PUP Town Council, police didn't address the media on the issue until today.

7News spoke with Senior Superintendent Robert Mariano, the officer in charge of Dangriga Police, and the investigator specifically assigned by the Commissioner of Police to investigate this incident.

He updated us on the status of his case:

Daniel Ortiz
"The incident of Mr. Francisco shol has gone unreported to the media in the daily press releases from police. Can you give us an update on the information you guys have on that incident?"

Sr. Supt. Robert Mariano
"I was directed to go to PG to conduct an investigation and I went to Punta Gorda Town and I recorded statements from witnesses and on Tuesday 18th Dr. Sanchez conducted an autopsy on Mr. Francisco Shol and he reported that he died from severe head injuries as a consequence of a blunt trauma to the head. I can say that yesterday Wednesday 19th I completed the investigation and I am seeking advice from the director of public persecution at this time as to where to go on the investigation at this time."

Daniel Ortiz
"Our information suggests that it was officers from the police department who cause the death of Mr. Shol. Can you confirm for us?"

Sr. Supt. Robert Mariano
"The investigation is showing that a police constable may be involved."

Daniel Ortiz
"I know that you say that you are seeking advice from the DPP's office, but is the investigation suggesting any criminal element to this officers involvement in the death of Mr. Shol or is it suggesting an accident? What is the direction that the investigation looks to be leading at this time?"

Sr. Supt. Robert Mariano
"I wouldn't really want to go through the evidence of the case at this time and that is why I am seeking the advice of the director of public persecution."

Daniel Ortiz
"It is a serious thing that another police officer is under investigation. From the same PG formation 2 officers are currently on remand for the murder of another PG resident. What is the police department's position on this - how can you reassure the community that these men who are under investigation will be fully scrutinized?"

Sr. Supt. Robert Mariano
"For the first case - of course each case has its own merit; for the first case you have seen that the officers involved were arrested and charged two days after the incident occurred. The Commissioner of Police directed me to go to Punta Gorda to do the investigation. In this case the Commissioner also directed that I go and do the investigation as well. The public will agree that they know that I have a high level of experience in investigation and that's why the department ensured that I go down and conduct the investigation. We will continue to investigate officers who are involved in any wrong doing and if directive is made that the officers be arrested and charged - the department will not delay."

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