Superintendent of Prisons Lt. Col. Trevor Pennyfeather has confirmed that inmate Rashawn “Turtle” Shabazz died Thursday morning following a police-assisted operation at His Majesty’s Prison.

Pennyfeather said Shabazz barricaded himself inside his cell and refused requests to leave for medical treatment. Police were called after he allegedly threatened prison officers.

Police reportedly used rubber bullets and tear gas during the operation. Shabazz was removed alive but began coughing and was taken to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he later died.

Pennyfeather said he met with Shabazz’s family and extended condolences. An investigation and autopsy are expected to determine the circumstances and cause of his death.

Shabazz was shot by police in August 2023 during an incident near Perry Bay Supermarket and later received treatment at Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital. He was reported to have schizoaffective disorder.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Prisoner Rashawn ‘Turtle’ Shabazz Dies After Police-Assisted Prison Cell Extraction.