Judge rules soldiers do not have a case to answer in Keith Clarke shooting death

Justice Dale Palmer has ruled that the three Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldiers charged in connection with the May 2010 shooting death of businessman Keith Clarke do not have a case to answer.

Lance corporals Greg Tingling and Odel Buckley, along with Private Arnold Henry, are currently standing trial for murder before Justice Palmer in the Home Circuit Court.

The 64-year-old accountant was shot 25 times inside his master bedroom at his Kirkland Close, St Andrew, home on May 27, 2010, during a police-military operation to apprehend then-fugitive drug lord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

The judge said based on the evidence it is clear that the shooters intended to kill the victim or to seriously wound him.

However, he said the evidence presented to identify the shooters was woefully below the required standards.

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In a statement immediately after the ruling, the Jamaica Defence Force said, "This verdict brings relief to the servicemembers, who now can reclaim their freedom, rebuild their lives, and return to their families without the burden of litigation."

"Despite the challenges faced over the past fourteen (14) years, we appreciate the justice system's fair assessment of the evidence. This decision reinforces our faith in both our servicemen and women and the justice system itself," it continued.