A UK-based forensic expert will today observe the autopsies of Sandra Sewell and Gion “Neil” Halcott who were fatally shot by members of the Jamaican Defence Force on September 19.

According to a press release from the international human rights group Amnesty International, professor of forensic medicine at the University of Dundee, Derrick Pounder, will be observing the proceedings on the group’s behalf.

“The killing of Sandra and Gion during the current state of emergency are the latest in a series of killings committed by members of the security forces this year,” said Amnesty International’s Jamaica researcher Olivia Streater. “They bear all the hallmarks of extra-judicial executions and are of grave concern. Despite promises to reform investigations into killings by both the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force, these remain grossly inadequate. Endemic impunity remains the norm.”

Sewell, a well-known community activist, was shot along with Halcott in the August Town section of Kingston. There have been conflicting reports from the police and persons who claim to be eyewitnesses.

The police said Halcott was apprehended after he was seen smoking a spliff, shots were fired at some point, and both Halcott and Sewell were hit.

Residents said Sewell was shot as she crouched in fear.