Probe underway to determine culpability

Commissioner of Police major general Anthony Anderson says the police are now investigating the events which led to the escape of Troy Ellis, the man who is linked to the rape and brutal murder of eight-year-old Thalia Thompson on Sunday, October 1.

“The escape itself is being investigated by IPROB [The Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau] to determine culpability and escape of a person in police custody is considered as a serious matter. Our policies and procedures are robust and when followed, will largely prevent escape. Managers, supervisors, and members are held accountable for any deviation from the established policy and procedures,” the commissioner said.

He was speaking at a quarterly press conference held by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on Tuesday, October 3.

Reports are that 27-year-old Ellis, who was under police guard at the St Ann’s Bay hospital after he attempted to commit suicide, escaped around 12:15 a.m. on Sunday.

Ellis was reportedly identified and accosted by a female licensed firearm holder who was driving along the Discovery Bay main road on Sunday evening. He was handed over to the Discovery Bay police around 10:35 p.m.

The commissioner of police also thanked the female licensed firearm holder for her assistance in the recapture of Ellis.

“I must recognise the efforts of the lady who saw the image on our social media page and assisted with the return of Troy Ellis, who had escaped from the St Ann’s Bay hospital where he had been admitted under police guard,” he said.

Thompson was reportedly sexually assaulted, then killed in Discovery Bay in St Ann on Saturday, September 23.

Ellis, who is said to be a close family friend, was later taken into custody by the police in relation to the heinous crime.