Inmate Dies After Dramatic Prison Cell Extraction at His Majesty’s Prison

Superintendent of Prisons, Lieutenant Colonel Trevor Pennyfeather, has confirmed to Antigua.news that inmate Rashawn ‘Turtle” Shabazz died Thursday morning following a police-assisted extraction from his cell at His Majesty’s Prison.

According to Pennyfeather, prison officials had been attempting to get Shabazz to leave his cell so he could be taken to the prison’s medical unit for treatment. However, he had reportedly barricaded himself inside the cell and refused repeated requests to come out.

Pennyfeather told journalist Shermain Bique-Charles that prison staff spent considerable time speaking with Shabazz in an effort to persuade him to cooperate, but he allegedly threatened officers, prompting prison authorities to request police assistance.

During the extraction, police reportedly discharged rubber bullets while Shabazz used a mattress as a shield. Tear gas was then deployed in an effort to force him from the cell.

Pennyfeather said Shabazz was successfully extracted alive but was coughing following the use of the gas. He was transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he later died.

The Superintendent said he subsequently met with Shabazz’s family, informed them of the circumstances surrounding the incident, and extended his condolences on behalf of the prison administration.

The circumstances surrounding Shabazz’s death are expected to be the subject of a full investigation. An autopsy is also expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Shabazz was shot by police on August 31 2023, during an incident that resulted in the removal of one of his kidneys.

At the time, Shabazz had been released from His Majesty’s Prison just three days earlier.

According to eyewitness accounts, he was creating a disturbance in the vicinity of Perry Bay Supermarket by throwing stones at members of the public. Witnesses also reported seeing him armed with a long knife.

Police responded to the scene and shot Shabazz in an effort to subdue him.

Following the incident, Shabazz was admitted to the Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital for treatment. He was reported to be suffering from schizoaffective disorder.