Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Nuffield Burnett has urged caution in labeling recent police-involved shootings as “extrajudicial killings,” emphasizing that such terminology could be prejudicial without conclusive evidence. Speaking at a United Progressive Party town hall, Burnett advocated for describing these incidents as “suspicious deaths” or “killings” until thorough investigations are completed. He argued that premature classification could compromise the integrity of ongoing inquiries and unfairly tarnish the reputation of law enforcement officers. Burnett highlighted that the deaths of young, healthy men under “unnatural and suspicious circumstances” warrant meticulous examination rather than hasty judgments. He stressed the importance of precise language to ensure fairness and accountability, noting that only comprehensive police work and coroner’s inquests can determine whether the deaths were lawful, unlawful, or extrajudicial. His comments come amid growing public scrutiny over high-profile cases, including the deaths of Manny James and Khalil Simon, where families and rights advocates have criticized the pace and transparency of investigations. Burnett’s remarks underscore the need for balanced discourse and rigorous due process in addressing such sensitive issues.
Burnett Warns Against Using ‘Extrajudicial Killing’ Label Without Evidence
