Former RBDF Officer Defends Marine Shot By Police

A former defense force officer, who knew Leading Seaman Rodney Adderley for 13 years, is coming to the defense of the young marine who was shot and killed by police earlier this week. Adderley’s longtime friend says he has many questions about what happened that morning and expressed outrage over comments made by National Security Minister Wayne Munroe.

Former Defence Officer Ray Bethel is speaking out in defense of his longtime friend Leading Seaman Rodney Adderley, who was shot and killed by police on Monday. Bethel says his friend’s character has been assassinated following his tragic death.

Adderley was shot in Chippingham early Monday. According to the police report, the 39-year-old was sitting in a vehicle parked near a vacant lot on Dunmore Street around 4AM when police arrived following a complaint of a suspicious vehicle. Police said they ordered the man to exit the vehicle. According to the report, he exited and charged at one of the officers and attempted to disarm him, prompting the officer to shoot him.

Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe has faced criticism for telling reporters that Adderley faced mental health challenges. A resident who wanted to remain anonymous suggested that Adderley was acting erratically with officers. However, Bethel insisted he never knew his friend of 13 years to suffer from mental illness. He said, no matter the circumstance, officers should have de-escalated the situation.