A police officer accused of fatally shooting a man during an argument at a wake in Hanover last year, has been charged with murder.

Constable Mike Edwards was brought before the Hanover Parish Court to answer to the charge of murder contrary to common law on Tuesday.

Allegations are that on March 26 last year, 24-year-old Avado Samuels was at a wake being held at a bar in Mount Pleasant, when an altercation developed between him and several officers.

He was shot and killed. 

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) said the murder charge brought against Edwards was as a result of investigations it carried out, as well as a ruling by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It said Constable Edwards was granted bail in the sum of $750,000 with one to two sureties. 

The case is scheduled for a hearing on June 4.