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Mario Deane: A Timeline of Justice Delayed (Criminal Proceedings)

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September 8, 2020
A studio portrait of Mario Deane in his twenties. Photo courtesy of Mercia Frazer
A studio portrait of Mario Deane in his twenties. Photo courtesy of Mercia Frazer.  
By Tori Tulloch

Since the police-involved death of thirty-one-year-old Mario Deane in 2014, the journey of his case through the criminal justice system has taken more than six years. It is far from over. Below is a timeline of events up to September 4, 2020. The information is compiled from multiple sources.*    

Sunday, August 3, 2014 (7:15am) 
Police officers detain Mario Deane after a stop with the charge of possession of a ganja “spliff.” 

August 3, 2014 (approximately 10am) 
Deane calls his mother, Mercia Frazer, from lockup at Barnett Street. His friend, Castel McKenzie, arrives at the jail to arrange his bail processing. 
Deane makes a comment expressing his frustration with the police treatment and his release is inexplicably stopped and moved to 5pm. 

The 19th century Barnett Street Police Station in Montego Bay, where Mario Deane was detained for ganja possession and fatally beaten while under police care. Photo Credit: Marlon James
The 19th century Barnett Street Police Station in Montego Bay, where Mario Deane was detained for ganja possession and fatally beaten while under police care. Photo Credit: Marlon James. 


August 3, 2014 (approximately 3pm) 
McKenzie is told that Deane has been admitted to Cornwall Regional Hospital (emergency). He informs Deane’s family.  

August 4, 2014 
Deane’s family makes multiple attempts to get him admitted to intensive care at St Ann’s Bay and Kingston Public Hospital but he is instead moved to Cornwall’s ward. 

The 19th century Barnett Street Police Station in Montego Bay, where Mario Deane was detained for ganja possession and fatally beaten while under police care. Photo Credit: Marlon James
As the only Type A hospital in the western region, the Cornwall Regional Hospital is the main medical facility for 600,000 Jamaicans living in five parishes. Deane’s family sought his transfer for better emergency care. From L to R: Mario Deane’s mother, Mercia Frazer, and her aunt, Evadne Hamilton. Photo Credit: Marlon James. 


August 6, 2014 (10am) 
Unconscious and in critical condition, Deane dies from his injuries at Cornwall Regional Hospital. His friend, Castel McKenzie, is told he was assault