Well-known island businesswoman Jasmine Hartin, partner of entrepreneur/developer Andrew Ashcroft, remains in police custody following the fatal shooting death of Superintendent of Police Henry Jemmott. 42-year-old Jemmott was apparently shot in the head with his own gun while socializing with Hartin.
The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, May 28th, and the only person with Jemmott on the pier where the incident occurred was Hartin. Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams said at a press briefing that Hartin was not cooperating and requested her attorney before speaking. According to ComPol, Hartin must provide an explanation; failing to do so means she has to be “treated as the killer.” Williams added that police might have to send the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further instructions depending on Hartin’s level of cooperation. The report shared in the briefing also indicated no explanation as to why they were on the pier so late despite the 10PM COVID-19 curfew.
ComPol also made clear that there will be no special treatment of Hartin, given her relationship with the son of British billionaire Lord Michael Ashcroft. She has two children with Andrew, the Lord’s youngest son. “The fact that we must investigate the death of our fallen brother, and if anyone is responsible, that person will be dealt with to the strictest extent of the law to ensure justice is served at the end,” said Williams.
Jemmott’s family say he was killed, shares unofficial post-mortem.
Jemmott’s sister, Marie Jemmott Tzul, travelled to the island to transport her brother’s body to the mainland. According to her, Jemmott was in his hotel room the last time they spoke. She does not understand why he was out on a pier with Hartin.
Following the post-mortem on the same day of his death, Tzul shared with the media in Belize City (Channel 7) that her brother was killed, and that the coroner concluded it was ‘homicide.’ According to unofficial reports, Jemmott died of a massive brain haemorrhage due to a gunshot wound to the head. This information is yet to be confirmed by an official report from the Belize Police Department.
Superintendent Jemmott was a well-known senior officer in San Pedro Town and served as the Officer in Charge (OC) from 2016 to 2019. Mayor of San Pedro Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez sent his condolences to the deceased family and friends. Nuñez said he knew him personally when Jemmott served in San Pedro. When he was councilor with the portfolio of community protection and safety, they worked closely together. His administration is giving their full support to the police department as they carry on their investigation. They hope the investigation will provide a clear answer to what occurred.
Jemmott is survived by five children, his fiancé, family, and a host of friends.
