The Government's failure to convene a coroner's court to probe the controversial police killing of Winston Malcolm Sr and his son two years ago has drawn comparisons with the case involving late Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer.

Prominent attorney-at-law Richard Small pointed out what he said were glaring differences in the way both cases were handled.

"A special court was quickly set up in a palatial place to hold the (Bob Woolmer) inquiry ... . Bob Woolmer wasn't wrapped in any sheet and dragged out into the streets. The crime scene wasn't trampled on by anyone ... . Bob had the respect of the Government," said Small in reference to perceived differences in the way Jamaicans are treated in comparison to non-nationals.

Woolmer, the one-time English cricketer and later coach, died at The Jamaica Pegasus on March 18, 2007. Eight months later, an 11-member coroner's jury returned an open verdict, saying there was insufficient evidence of a criminal act or death by natural causes.

Contradictory accounts

Malcolm and his son, Winston Jr, were shot to death by cops on December 21, 2007. Police reports said he was killed in a shoot-out, but relatives and eyewitnesses contradict that account, saying he was executed.

After a prolonged investigation, Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn ruled several weeks ago that the case go before the Spanish Town Coroner's Court for an inquiry.

When contacted, Llewellyn told The Gleaner that her office was not responsible for setting up the inquiry.