3 JDF soldiers to be charged for murder of Keith Clarke

Three members of the Jamaica Defence Force are to be charged for the murder of accountant Keith Clarke.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn, today (July 17) handed over her ruling to the Commissioner of Police, as well as Head of the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom).

Lance Corporal Greg Tingling, Lance Corporal Odel Buckley and Private Arnold Henry have been named as those to be charged.

The Office of the DPP says a voluntary bill of indictment will be put forward, to bypass the Resident Magistrate's Court, as she wants the matter sent before the Home Circuit Court, which closes on July 31.

A release from the Office of the Police Commissioner states, that in keeping with protocols for the arrest and arraignment of military personnel, the Police High Command and the leadership of the JDF have commenced action to ensure the court appearance of the implicated soldiers in accordance with the instructions of the DPP.

The 63 year old Clarke was killed on May 27, 2010 by members of the security forces at his home in Kirkland Heights in upper St. Andrew.

The security forces had reportedly gone in search of then fugitive Christopher Dudus Coke.

The businessman was reportedly shot more than 20 times and died on the spot.