Billionaire Brit’s daughter-in-law ‘playing with policeman’s gun’ when he was shot dead – World News
Police believe the daughter-in-law of a British billionaire was playing with an officer’s gun when it went off and killed him, reports say.
The body of superintendent Henry Jemmott, 42, was found floating in the sea near a pier in San Pedro, Belize on Friday.
Jasmine Hartin – the American partner of wealthy Tory donor Lord Ashcroft’s son – is being held in connection with the incident.
Dad-of-five Mr Jemmott was found with a single gunshot wound behind his right ear.
It has been alleged that Ms Hartin, 38, was discovered with blood on her arms and clothes before she was arrested.
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(Image: Facebook)
She and Mr Jemmott are said to have known each other socially and been drinking prior to the tragic incident.
According to the Times, police in Belize are now operating on the basis that Ms Hartin and the officer had been playing with his pistol.
Commissioner Chester Williams has confirmed that the pair were alone and there is no suggestion of third-party involvement.
“We have to look at the investigation with an open mind, but so far we have not had any indication to suggest that there was any third actor,” he said.
“In the absence of an explanation she would have to be treated as the killer.”
Lawyer Edward Fitzgerald QC told the publication that if Mr Jemmott had been killed accidentally as a result of “pistol play”, then Ms Hartin would probably face a manslaughter charge.
(Image: Facebook)
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She and husband Andrew Ashcroft, 43, head a luxury hotel company in the Central American country.
He is the youngest of Lord Ashcroft’s three children from his first marriage and is a citizen of Belize.
The couple have two children and recently opened a plush resort together close to where the shooting occurred.
Lord Ashcroft, a prominent Tory supporter and former party treasurer, is a citizen of Belize but remains active in British politics.
(Image: 7 News Belize)
It has been claimed that charges could seen be brought against Ms Hartin on Monday.
The dead officer’s sister, Marie Jemmott Tzul, 55, told DailyMail.com that the socialite could appear in court within days.
She said: “I got a call, but they did not say what she was going to be charged with.”
Another relative said Mr Jemmott was set to be promoted to senior superintendent and transferred to another unit and described him as “a very top cop with a big dream”.
He had been on leave from the force at the time due to personal issues, according to reports.
The family told 7 News Belize that a post-mortem examination had confirmed that the gunshot was the result of a homicide.
