Police corporal in Grand Bazaar shootout to seek counselling

UPDATE:

CPL Darnell Melville, the policeman involved in the shootout with Sgt Darryl Honore, yesterday sobbed and mourned the death of his best friend, saying he never wanted things to end this way.

“Regardless what people are saying, he was my friend. I never wanted him dead. I am sorry it ended this way,” he said. “But when I am ready to tell the truth I will do so.”

Melville said he had declined an offer of counselling from the Police Social and Welfare Association, but because he is suffering in silence he is now contemplating accepting that counselling.

Yesterday as he wept, Melville said he never expected what happened last week Wednesday to take place and regrets his decision to engage Honore after he was confronted and shot at.

He said he and Honore were like brothers and he loved him dearly.

Asked by Newsday if he intended to attend Honore’s funeral tomorrow to get some form of closure, he said he was still thinking about it. Honore will be given a full military funeral and will be buried at the Chaguanas cemetery after a service at the Chaguanas RC Church at 10am.

Melville reiterated that people were just speculating and sharing false information, but that is not his main concern right now.

He said the loss of his friend’s life had shattered him and was causing him heartache.

Yesterday investigators probing the exchange of gunfire between Melville and Honore said they are yet to get a statement from Melville, because he is on sick leave and it would be unethical to interview him until afterwards.

Police are also expected to interview a woman assigned to the Police Administration Building who was present when the shootout happened. They had hoped to talk to her yesterday but were unsuccessful in getting an interview.

Sources said after Melville and the woman are interviewed the file will be presented to the Director of Public Prosecutions for instructions.

Supt Stephen David of the Northern Division is assigned to investigate the matter. He has already interviewed about six witnesses and is awaiting the final two statements.

Sources said investigators will not be recommending any charges against Melville.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Police corporal Darnel Melville, who was involved in the shoot-out with his colleague Sergeant Darrell Honore, yesterday sobbed and mourned the death of his friend insisting that he never wanted things to end badly.

“Regardless what people are saying, he was my friend. I never wanted him dead, I am sorry it ended this way, but when I am ready to tell the truth, I will do so”.

Melville said he had declined counselling from the Police Social and Welfare Association, but is now contemplating seeking that counselling when he is able to do so.

Yesterday as he mourned, Melville said he never expected what transpired last week Wednesday to take place and he regrets his decision to engage his colleague after he was confronted and shot.