Inquest Reveals Disturbing Circumstances in Young Man’s Prison Death

Disturbing testimony emerged Friday as a coroner’s inquest examined the death of Chinlee Robinson, a 23-year-old who died in custody at His Majesty’s Prison on January 24, just hours after receiving bail approval.

Robinson is said to have died from anoxia, neck trauma, and cardiac failure. The findings have deepened concerns about the young man’s final hours behind bars and the conditions under which he was held.

In the inquest, a 15-year-old who was detained at the facility during the same period provided chilling details about the night Robinson died. The teenager testified that he had spoken with Robinson the previous day, when the young man returned from court distressed over a bail complication related to his missing passport. That night, the youth recalled hearing what sounded like a brief scream lasting approximately one second, followed by complete silence. He described the cry as seeming both close and distant simultaneously.

The minor’s testimony also shed light on troubling operational practices at the prison. He revealed that during his months-long incarceration, correctional officers conducted cell checks only once throughout the night. Additionally, inmates were locked in their cells as early as 3:30 in the afternoon, leaving them confined for extended periods without supervision.

The circumstances of Robinson’s death have sparked conflicting assessments from officials. Family attorney Wendel Alexander is demanding a full homicide investigation. Last year, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifton Cabral indicated authorities were not pursuing a criminal investigation, suggesting natural causes as a possibility.

On the other hand, Superintendent of Prisons Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather had acknowledged his own suspicions, characterizing the death as “very possibly strangulation.”

The Robinson family’s quest for answers continues as the inquest resumes this Friday, with more witnesses expected to provide testimony.