Judge denies bail to cop charged in Latoya Bulgin killing

The St James policeman charged in the controversial shooting death of 45-year-old Latoya ‘Buju’ Bulgin was denied bail when he appeared in the St James Parish Court on Monday, as the case continues to stir outrage in Granville.

Constable Andrew Wilson, who is facing a murder charge in connection with Bulgin’s May 17 killing, was remanded until June 16 following a tense bail hearing before Parish Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton.

In denying bail, the judge said the decision was made in the interest of maintaining public order, noting Wilson’s position as a police officer and reports that Bulgin was shot during a peaceful protest linked to an earlier alleged police shooting in the Granville community.

The court also heard concerns from prosecutors that Wilson’s reported actions did not appear to support a claim of self-defence.

Prosecutors further argued that the constable could interfere with civilian witnesses and potentially abscond if granted bail.

During the hearing, the court was told that several critical documents remain outstanding from the prosecution’s case file, including a further statement related to CCTV footage, a ballistic forensic certificate, the arresting officer’s statement, and interview transcripts from officers who were at the scene.

Wilson is being represented by attorney-at-law Michael Hemmings.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled on Friday, May 29, that the constable should be charged with murder in relation to Bulgin’s death.

The incident sparked national attention after CCTV footage circulated online allegedly showing a police officer firing at a vehicle driven by Bulgin.

Following the shooting, angry residents mounted fiery protests in Granville, demanding justice and renewing calls for body-worn cameras to be used during high-risk police operations.

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