Kuantan court rules inmate's death in custody caused by others

The Kuantan Sessions Court today ruled that the death of odd jobs worker G Jestus Kevin while in police custody at the Bentong district police headquarters was caused by the actions of others.

Coroner Salina Saiful, in her inquest decision, stated that the 30-year-old died on April 5, 2020, at 1.05am while in detention.

He had been arrested to assist in investigations under Section 397 of the Penal Code related to theft.

The court found that Jestus lost consciousness and had breathing difficulties before being taken out of the cell.

“The cause of death was consistent with meningoencephalitis with multiple blunt force trauma, cardiomyopathy and liver steatosis,” said Salina, based on a copy of her ruling today.

Meningoencephalitis refers to an inflammation of the brain and surrounding tissue, while the other causes were pre-existing health conditions - heart disease and fatty liver.

Not properly supervised

The coroner found that the deceased was not properly supervised while in custody, and police failed to send him to the hospital despite being aware of his abnormal behaviour and unstable emotional state.

She noted that Jestus was placed in a cell with two other detainees, which worsened his condition.

“The deceased was subjected to physical violence while in the cell and under police supervision. This added to his injuries, as confirmed by the blunt force trauma on his body,” she said.

Salina said no action or medical treatment was provided for the deceased’s physical or mental state, and if proper attention had been given, his meningitis and injuries could have been detected and treated.

She concluded that his death was preventable.

“From the testimony and evidence presented, it is clear the death was caused by the actions of others,” she ruled.

The inquest began in 2020 and saw 16 witnesses called to testify. Deputy public prosecutor Azizah Ahmad appeared for the prosecution, while counsels M Visvanathan and V Sanjay Nathan appeared on behalf of the deceased’s family.

Beng Hock case: NGOs want action, say apology is not accountability

'Blunt force trauma, classified sudden death': Family demands answers

Suhakam pans AGC’s silence on deaths in custody, calls for inquest

Family, rights groups demand update on probe into trainee's death

Cops probing into foreigner's death in custody at KLIA

Orang Asli mum demands answers on son's death in custody

No negligence or criminal element behind inmate's death: Court

Govt, police get leave to appeal RM197,600 damages for death in custody