Five Guyana Police Force members have been jointly charged with the murder of Gavin Kennard Douglas, called "Tallman", 32, who died in custody at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station on October 31.

They are Sergeant Aarif Haniff, Corporal Bevis Lyle and Constables Wencill Marshall, Tiansay Thomas and Joel Newsum. They appeared on Friday before Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court.

They were not required to plead to the indictable charge and were remanded to prison until November 17. The matter was transferred to the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate's Court.

Douglas, a labourer of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, had been detained in connection with an alleged armed robbery at New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, on October 28.

Police said he was escorted to the station at about 11:36am. Around midday, while being placed in the lock-ups, he became aggressive and resisted ranks, who restrained him and placed him in a cell.

At about 12:45pm, ranks conducting checks reportedly found him frothing at the mouth. He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he died.
A post-mortem examination on November 2 by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh determined that Douglas died from a brain haemorrhage caused by blunt trauma. Two Taser studs were removed from his body and lodged as exhibits.

The Office of Professional Responsibility launched an investigation, and several ranks were arrested as the probe widened.
The case has drawn public concern, with Douglas's mother, a serving Police Inspector, raising questions about how he sustained the injuries.