Court decision declares homicide justified in Kwondrick Lowe case

A Coroner’s Court jury issued a unanimous finding of justifiable homicide in the case of 18-year-old Kwondrick Lowe, who was shot and killed by Police Constable Anderson near Kemp Road in 2023. This decision marked the second consecutive finding of this nature following a similar ruling in a previous case involving three individuals on Commonwealth Avenue. The other two inquests this year resulted in findings of homicide by manslaughter. Lowe was shot outside a restaurant on Hillbrook Close in the early hours of January 21, 2023.

During the inquest, PC Anderson remained calm as the jury announced their finding. A relative of the deceased, Ms. Taylor, expressed discontent with the result and claimed the family had seen an additional video of the shooting not presented as evidence. Despite the justifiable homicide verdict meaning that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would not pursue criminal charges against PC Anderson, Ms. Taylor voiced that the matter was not over for her family.

The evidence presented during the inquest included security camera footage from Mil’s Bar showing Lowe being pursued by three officers. The footage captured the moment PC Anderson shot Lowe five times after he was seen reaching into his waist. Two other officers present at the scene testified that PC Anderson had spotted the deceased with a gun and gave chase. The officers claimed that Lowe pulled out a handgun as PC Anderson approached, prompting one of them to shout a warning about the gun.

Following the shooting, a 9mm pistol was allegedly recovered from a nearby car lot, supporting the officers’ claim that Lowe was armed. The pathologist’s testimony revealed that Lowe died from gunshot wounds to the head, torso, and left thigh. PC Anderson’s attorney expressed gratitude for the security footage, which he believed corroborated the officers’ version of events. He argued that the officers were forced to make split-second decisions to protect themselves and civilians, as they perceived the deceased to be a deadly threat.

The legal representation for the deceased’s estate, Keod Smith, was also present during the proceedings. Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest Deveaux oversaw the inquest while Angelo Whitfield managed the evidence. Despite the justifiable homicide ruling, the family of Kwondrick Lowe expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, indicating that they believed there was more evidence to consider and suggesting that they may continue to pursue justice through other means. The case highlighted the challenges and complexities of police-involved shootings and the legal processes that follow in such situations.