Stomach ulcer given as cause of death for ECD man who died in Police lockups

Days after 30-year-old Otis John Jordan Payne of South Haslington, East Coast Demerara (ECD) died while in Police lockups at the Cove and John Police Station, a post-mortem examination (PME) performed on his remains proved that he died from peritonitis (infection of the abdomen due to a perforated stomach ulcer).
Initially, family had suspected foul play, which resulted in the Police launching an investigation. But the autopsy performed by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation mortuary gave the cause of death as peritonitis. In addition, specimens were taken from the body for a toxicology report.

Following the death of the young man on Tuesday, Police stated that earlier in the day, he had complained of feeling unwell, and as such, he was taken to the Enmore Regional Hospital, where he was treated and taken back into custody.
However, while in custody, he again complained of feeling unwell while in the lockups and suddenly became unresponsive. He was rushed back to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Law enforcement officials stated that no marks of violence were observed on the body, but his mother, Amanda Kato, claimed that upon viewing his body, she observed what appeared to be marks of violence on him. Following the man’s death, protests erupted, but the situation was quickly contained by law enforcement.
Meanwhile, two Police officers were placed under close arrest to facilitate an investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). The Police stated that as the probe continues, several Police officers and civilians have been interviewed while adding that the matter is being treated with the seriousness it warrants and that all necessary procedures are being followed.