Update | Policeman charged with murder in Latoya Bulgin shooting; denied bail

Constable Andrew Wilson, the policeman charged with murder in the May 17 shooting of 45-year-old Latoya ‘Buju’ Bulgin in Granville, St James, was this morning denied bail during an appearance in the St James Parish Court.

Presiding parish judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton told the court that she was denying bail in the interest of maintaining public order, due to Wilson’s status as a police officer and reports that Bulgin’s death occurred during a peaceful protest linked to the fatal shooting of her cousin.

The judge also pointed to concerns from the prosecution that Wilson’s alleged actions were not a case of self-defence.

The prosecution had also expressed concerns that Wilson might interfere with civilian witnesses in the matter and that he might abscond if granted bail.

Meanwhile, the court was told that several documents were outstanding from the prosecution’s case-file, including a further statement in relation to CCTV footage of the incident, a forensic certificate for the ballistic report, the arresting officer’s statement, and transcripts of interviews with officers at the scene.

Wilson, who was represented by attorney-at-law Michael Hemmings during the bail hearing, was subsequently remanded until June 16, when the case will be mentioned.

The Independent Commission of Investigations says the Director of Public Prosecutions issued a ruling on Friday directing that Wilson should be charged with murder, following a file submitted by investigators. He was arrested and charged on Wednesday.

INDECOM said its investigation was supported by “prompt collection and analysis of video evidence,” including CCTV, body-worn camera footage and mobile phone recordings, which it said helped establish “an objective understanding” of the fatal shooting.

It added that early access to video material assists investigators in identifying individuals, verifying accounts, establishing timelines and strengthening evidential leads.

CCTV footage, which circulated on social media following the incident, shows a police officer firing at a vehicle which was driven by Bulgin.

The incident, including the tossing of Bulgin’s body into a police van, sparked public outrage and fiery protests by Granville residents, with renewed calls for the rollout of body-worn cameras in high-risk police operations. The officer subsequently suspended from duties.

INDECOM also disclosed that since January 2024, 65 law enforcement officers have been charged in relation to incidents under its investigation, including nine JCF members and one correctional officer in 2026.

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