New trial begins for 2 accused double murderers 

About 12 witnesses have testified in the new trial of two of the three men charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a police officer and his younger brother in May 2017.

Schemel “Jacket” Dunbar and Kendine “Hoodie” Douglas, both of Rillan Hill, are being tried at High Court No. 1, in connection with the death of Police Constable Danroy Cozier, 26, of Mesopotamia, and his 19-year-old brother, Nicholas Cozier, of Richmond Hill.

The brothers were found dead at Sion Hill Bay on May 4, 2017 and post mortem examinations concluded that they died of gunshot injuries to their heads.

When the trial opened on Monday before Justice Brian Cottle, Director of Public Prosecution, Sejilla McDowall told the court that she anticipates that it will last until June 2 — about two weeks. 

Counsel Grant Connell, who represents Douglas, however, estimated that the trial would be completed by this Friday.

Carl Williams, who represents Dunbar, said he anticipated a seven-day trial. 

Connell told the court that the prosecution had indicated that the Crown planned to call 44 witnesses.

The defence counsel said he was willing to accept the testimony of about 40 of those witnesses read into the evidence, without cross examination. 

Last year, a murder trial began for Dunbar, Douglas and Richard “Carib” Francis, a former police officer, of Layou, in connection with the two killings.

However, that trial was discontinued and the jury discharged after Francis pleaded guilty to murder after the trial began.

The court therefore ordered a new trial, with a new jury, of the two other accused.

A 12-member jury of six males and six females is determining the guilt or innocence of Dunbar and Douglas.

Dunbar went on trial two weeks after his younger brother, Jamarlo “Ice” Dunbar, originally of Rillan Hill, was gunned down in Arnos Vale on May 6.