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SEXUAL BATTERY OF A 12 YEAR OLD

May 29, 2003

Reuben E. Fawkes

Fort Lauderdale Police Detectives are requesting assistance from our community in locating REUBEN E. FAWKES. FAWKES is wanted in reference to an unsolicited and painful rape of a 12 year old girl, while FAWKES was babysitting in the victim’s home. The attack took place on Saturday, May 23, 2003. FAWKES, d.o.b. 04/27/63, a black male, resides at 535 Northwest 2 Avenue #125 in Fort Lauderdale. Police suspect that FAWKES has been staying with an unsuspecting family member or friend. Police are hoping that once FAWKES actions have been exposed that the community will divulge his whereabouts. Anyone with information as to FAWKES' whereabouts is urged to call Detective Mike Debilio at (954) 828-5700 or Broward County Crimestoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477).

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M.E. RULES DEATH ACCIDENTAL

May 28, 2003

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has been advised by the Broward County Medical Examiners Office that the death of 21 year-old Raymond Sterling has been ruled an accidental death.

The Medical Examiner made this determination after conducting a full autopsy, sending out tissue samples for toxicology and microscopic lab analysis and reviewing the facts of the case.

Several factors led to this determination including exertion and pre-existing medical conditions. The Medical Examiners Office again concurred that there were no signs of trauma or abuse that would have led to Sterling’s death.

Raymond Sterling died while in Fort Lauderdale Police custody after he fled from officers and was pursued on foot. Sterling struggled with officers as he resisted arrest and at one point had attempted to disarm one of the officers during the struggle, but the officer was able to keep control of his holstered weapon until Sterling was handcuffed. Sterling continued to resist as he was being placed into the back of a Fort Lauderdale Police car kicking at officers and had to be given a short blast of O.C. spray to be subdued. Sterling was then transported to the jail booking area. While in the “Sally Port” area of the jail Sterling complained of not feeling well. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue was requested and checked Sterling, then cleared after he was found alert and responsive. Sterling again complained of not feeling well and the determination was made to transport him to Broward General Medical Center. As Sterling was being walked to a police vehicle to be transported he collapsed. Fire Rescue was requested “Code 3” however Sterling was pronounced dead shortly after Fire’s arrival at the Police Department.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department Office of Internal Affairs is continuing to review the incident, and will forward its findings to the Broward County States Attorneys Office when completed.

The City of Fort Lauderdale will be hosting a Community Meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fort Lauderdale City Commission Chambers, 100 N. Andrews Ave. to discuss the preliminary findings in this investigation.

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