Homicide investigators have recorded statements from prisons officers who were on duty the night Placid Aimard Lima was beaten to death while in a cell at Remand Yard, Golden Grove Road, Arouca. President of the T&T Prisons Officers’ Association Ceron Richards confirmed investigators interviewed and took statements from prisons officers and inmates.
Lima, 47, of Lily Street, Siparia, was found unconscious in a cell on June 9 after he was reportedly involved in an altercation with inmates in a cell. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Arima Health Facility hours later. An autopsy performed by pathologist Dr Hughvon des Vignes found he died from traumatic blunt force about his body. Hubert Daisley, who performed a second autopsy, concluded Lima suffered multiple blunt force trauma which were inflicted using a blunt object.
Lima's left lung collapsed and he was assaulted with a long, blunt object which was inserted into his rectum. This caused massive internal injuries. Lima was also stabbed, it was stated. Lima, a father of two, was buried on Monday. His family has vowed to take legal action against the State for his death. Richards said an internal prisons investigation is continuing into Lima’s death as well as the external homicide investigation by police officers.
He said last Thursday the association met with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and discussed safety and security issues within the prison. Richards said she committed to address their concerns as well as review their recommendations.