Heightened security marked the opening of the murder trial of three men accused of kidnapping and killing senior Customs officer Nigel Christian, as a jury was sworn before Justice Rajiv Persaud.

The panel of five men and six women, with two alternates, was selected after several challenges by both the prosecution and defence. Lasean Bully, Wayne Thomas and Saleim Harrigan have all pleaded not guilty. The Crown is led by DPP Clement Joseph and Curtis Cornelius, while Sherfield Bowen, Michael Archibald and Wendel Alexander represent the accused.

In an unusual move, members of the public were cleared and searched before being allowed back into the courtroom.

Prosecutors allege the men, dressed in camouflage and posing as police officers, abducted the 44-year-old from his McKinnons home on July 10, 2020. His body was later found in Thibou’s with gunshot wounds.

More than 50 witnesses are expected to testify in the trial, which is projected to last about six weeks.