Khalid Shabazz Calls for Independent Probe into Son’s Death in Custody

The father of Rashawn Shabazz, who died while in the custody of prison officers last week, is calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son’s death, arguing that the police should not be responsible for investigating the actions of law enforcement officers.

Khalid Shabazz made the appeal as he questioned the official account of the events leading to his son’s death on July 23, insisting that several inconsistencies remain unanswered.

Speaking publicly about the case, Shabazz said an impartial body, separate from the police, should be tasked with conducting the investigation.

“Certainly when you have a situation like this when they are asked to investigate themselves, we don’t think that it’s right. We think that an independent investigation should be conducted by an independent body, not affiliated with the police,” he said.

Shabazz also reiterated his longstanding belief that his son, who had been living with mental illness, should never have been housed at His Majesty’s Prison. He argued that the correctional facility was an inappropriate environment for someone with significant mental health challenges and maintained that Rashawn should have been receiving treatment at a psychiatric institution instead.

He further questioned the timeline of his son’s final moments, saying discussions with medical personnel led him to believe Rashawn was already unresponsive when he arrived at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

“I spoke to the doctor. Understood from the doctor that when he came in he was not alive. His heart had stopped. So we can only conclude that that had either transpired on the way to the hospital, or at the prison,” Shabazz said.

The grieving father said his pursuit of answers extends beyond his own family’s loss, describing the matter as one of public accountability.

He argued that an independent inquiry is essential to ensure transparency and public confidence in the investigative process, particularly in cases involving deaths in state custody.

Shabazz vowed to continue campaigning for what he believes is justice for his son, insisting that a thorough, impartial investigation is necessary not only for his family but to prevent similar tragedies from affecting others in the future.

The death of Rashawn Shabazz has renewed public discussion about the treatment of individuals with mental illness within the criminal justice system and the need for independent oversight in cases involving deaths while in custody.