The murder trial of the three Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers accused of killing businessman Keith Clarke is set to begin this morning.

The matter, which was initially set for April 15, was adjourned by Supreme Court Judge Dale Palmer on April 16, due to a shortage of jurors. This is after refusing an application from the defence for a delay to appeal his decision to proceed with the trial.

The three JDF soldiers charged with the murder of Clarke are: Corporal Odel Buckley, Lance Corporal Greg Tinglin and Private Arnold Henry.

Clarke was shot and killed at his 18 Kirkland Heights, St Andrew residence in 2010, during a military operation to capture convicted drug lord Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.

The trial was initially set to commence in 2018, but stalled after lawyers representing the accused men presented immunity certificates signed by former security minister Peter Bunting, which protected them from prosecution in connection to the shooting incident.

In January of last year, the matter was added to the trial list following a ruling by the Court of Appeal.