The court has cleared the first hurdle in the murder trial of 24-year-old Neil Brown. Brown stands accused of the May 2000 murder of Archdeacon William Thompson.
Brown, a resident of Peter Street , was arrested shortly after the death of the archdeacon.
Today it was jury selection in the Supreme Court. A jury of eight women and four men was selected and jurors received a charge from presiding judge Justice Anita Allen. Justice Allen urged the jury to be focused and observant and watch and listen to the witnesses.
The judge acknowledged that the case is a high profile one and urged jurors to remain objective.
Justice Allen further told them that they must remove all that they have heard or read about the matter and to only judge the case on the evidence before the court.
She said that while much is said about the case jurors must approach it with an open mind. Justice Allen also told them that they have a task ahead of them but that they must be mindful of the oath that they have taken.
Justice Allen warned them to not allow anyone to approach them or to discuss details of the case.
Jurors were dismissed until Wednesday afternoon at which time prosecutors, lead by senior attorney Francis Cumberbatch will call their first witness.
Archdeacon Thompson was one of the most beloved religious leaders in the country.
Police reported that an armed intruder barged into Archdeacon Thompson’s home and demanded cash and then reportedly attacked the clergyman, who spent weeks in hospital before he died from his injuries.
By Yvette Rolle Major, The Bahama Journal
