Ex-cop murder trial: Jury begins deliberation

The seven-member jury in the murder trial of former police constable Mark Russell has started its deliberations.

The five women and two men retired to the jury room at 10:36 this morning after presiding judge, Justice David Fraser, wrapped up his directions to them.

Russell is on trial for the July 2007 murder of 18-year-old Ravin Thompson.

During the trial, three members of the Jamaica Defence Force testified that Russell placed a police-issued M16 rifle in Thompson’s hands then took it back before the teen was shot several times by another police constable, identified as Morris Lee, along Darling Street in downtown Kingston.

Russell has denied the allegations and accused the soldiers of lying.