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Glenn Grant & the Police Department Being Sued For Officer Yearwood’s Death
posted (July 8, 2015)

Viewers may remember the very controversial shooting which happened in September 2013 in which Police Constable Glenwayne Grant shot and killed a fellow officer, Constable Dean Yearwood when he was allegedly responding to a robbery in progress. Well, his family wants the Government of Belize to pay financial compensation for his death, which they say is unlawful and unnecessary.

Police Commissioner Allen Whylie and the investigators said that it wasn't murder, but as we told you, Yearwood's family believed that it was an unlawful killing. So, since it has been 2 years without any prosecution against Grant, the Yearwood family sued the Government of Belize, the Police Department, the Police Commissioner, and Officer Grant. They are seeking damages and whatever reliefs the court sees fit to order.

So, what's being examined in this case? Well, viewers will remember that PC Yearwood - dressed in plain clothes was walking front of Public's Supermarket on Central American Boulevard. That's when Brian Vasquez allegedly tried to rob him. The off duty Yearwood, who was carrying his police department issued .38 revolver fired at him.

PC Glenn Grant, also in plainclothes was coming off special duty and was riding a bike on that side of central American Boulevard at the same time when he came upon the scene. He said he heard shots firing and saw a struggle, which is when he fired at least 11 shots, one of them hit Yearwood and killed him.

That's more or less the information which came out in today's court case before Justice Sonya Young. Phillip Palacio, who representing the claimants, called Ryan Swift, and Dean Yearwood Senior to the stand, and they disputed the version of events that the police have put forward, including Constable Glenn Grant.

Grant's expanded version is that Yearwood, who he didn't recognise as a police officer, also opened fire on him in the commotion, and that he, Glenn Grant, had to respond in kind by shooting back and injuring Yearwood in the process.

The case continues tomorrow, and we'll provide you with updates as it progresses along.

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