A 45-year-old woman was shot dead by police in Jamaica during a protest over a previous fatal police shooting, according to the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom). The incident occurred on Sunday in Granville, in Jamaica’s north-western parish of St James.

Incident and Aftermath

Footage circulating on social media shows a police officer firing at a vehicle during a protest; the bullet hit Latoya Bulgin, who was behind the wheel of the vehicle. Bulgin’s minivan was stationary at the side of the road as several people climbed out. Police officers were standing nearby. With one of the side doors still open, the vehicle started to pull back out into the road.

According to the video. Apparently without warning. An officer standing a few feet in front of the vehicle pulled a handgun and shot at the driver, amid screams and cries from people nearby. Some people were seen running. Police officers then dragged Bulgin’s limp body out of the car and onto the ground before putting her in the back of a police pickup truck. The officers did not appear to make any attempt to offer first aid to the injured woman.

Bulgin was reportedly taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead; Local reports say Bulgin, who was affectionately known as “Buju,” was a mother of two and a businesswoman. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) said in a statement that it was “deeply concerned” about the shooting and had suspended the officer involved pending an investigation.

Context and Public Reaction

The incident has sparked outrage across Jamaica, with the opposition People’s National party calling for swift and transparent action and raising concerns about the increasing number of fatal police shootings. According to the Independent Commission of Investigations, the police officers were “conducting crowd control duties” during a protest against a previous police shooting, in which 17-year-old Tjey Edwardson was killed on 12 May.

Protesters have expressed deep frustration with what they describe as excessive use of force by law enforcement, though the People’s National party has called for a thorough investigation and greater accountability for officers involved in such incidents. The JCF has acknowledged the need for a transparent and impartial inquiry, but many remain skeptical about the process and the likelihood of meaningful reform.

Broader Social and Political Implications

The killing of Latoya Bulgin is part of a broader pattern of civilian deaths involving police in Jamaica, which has led to increased calls for systemic changes in law enforcement practices. The incident highlights the growing tension between citizens and law enforcement agencies, particularly in communities that have experienced high levels of violence and crime.

According to the Independent Commission of Investigations, the police officers were “conducting crowd control duties” during a protest against a previous police shooting, but the commission has been tasked with overseeing investigations into incidents involving police, but critics argue that its independence and effectiveness are frequently questioned.

Local leaders and community activists have called for greater public oversight and transparency in the handling of such cases. They argue that the current system does not provide sufficient safeguards to protect the rights of citizens and ensure justice for victims of police violence.