Smiley Culture died from stab wound to heart

originally by: The Independent
17th March 2010

The family of reggae star Smiley Culture said police had “a lot to answer to” after his death earlier this week. The singer, whose real name was David Emmanuel, died at his home in Surrey on Tuesday morning following a police raid. His family have been told he stabbed himself while making a cup of tea in his kitchen while police were still inside his home.

Smiley Culture, 48, found fame with a string of 1980s’ hits including Cockney Translation and appeared on Top of the Pops.

His family are now demanding an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death. His relative Merlin Emmanuel told a packed press conference in Brixton, south London today: “The police have yet to give an official statement as to what happened.

“We haven’t had a clear, coherent, official explanation as to what happened to Smiley. “The police have a lot to answer to. Until our questions, queries and suspicions have been fully and competently answered to dispel any notion of foul play, we will not rest.

“The truth must be known. Justice must be served. “Fact – Smiley Culture died at his home from a single stab wound whilst in police custody while they let him go and make a cup of tea.”

Police watchdog the IPCC has launched an investigation into the death.

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