Simon Gabriel
Relatives of Simon Gabriel, a mentally ill man, who was shot and killed by police earlier today (June 16) at La Ressource, Vieux Fort, claims that he was killed “cold-bloodedly”.
The deceased’s cousin, Simone Gabriel, told St Lucia News Online (SNO) in an exclusive interview that she witnessed what took place, describing it as a “cruel act” on the part of the police.
Simone said the incident could have been avoided if the police acted in a more responsible manner.
According to her, a report was made to the police by relatives to assist them in taking Simon to the hospital for treatment. Simone said this is usually done by relatives whenever they realise that Simon is in need of medical care.
Simon has been mentally ill for the past 20 years. However, Simone told SNO that when the team of police officers arrived, they were heavily armed with guns “as though they were looking for a criminal”. The woman said the dead man’s mother, Doreen Gabriel, explained to the officers that he is not violent.
Simon was apparently seated close to his mother’s home. But, when he saw the police he grabbed two stones and held it in his hands.
Simone explained that upon seeing that, the police took their guns and started pointing it to Simon. She recalled that Simon’s mother said, “Don’t shoot… don’t shoot, he is not violent.”
“So I too was charging at the police…’don’t shoot…he is not violent or dangerous’. By the time he surrendered the police shot him cold-blood… three bullets… close range. Not that he was running… they shot him like an animal.”
Simone claims that her cousin was not armed with anything except the two stones because he was afraid of the police, especially since they were armed with guns.
“In front of the mother the police shot the guy. They intended to kill; not even his foot, that’s police brutality… They have to be trained to deal with people. They have criminals that are out there that need to be dealt with in that way… who have guns, who have guns, who do people bad things, who rob people and enter people house and kill people just like that… The guy was just mental, “she added.
Simone said her cousin does not have a criminal record or was ever convicted of a crime.
Simon would usually sleep in town and every day he goes to his mother for food. Later in the evening, he goes to Vieux Fort town.
Relatives said he would do small chores for people in the area.