CORPORAL Dwight Smart has been charged with murder in relation to last Saturday's shooting death of an eight-month pregnant woman and the injuring of her sister in St Thomas.

The charges were formally laid on Wednesday. In addition to the murder charge, Smart has also been charged with wounding with intent, illegal possession of a firearm and assault as directed earlier this week by the prosecution's office.

He is expected in the Home Circuit Court after the start of the new court term on September 17.

It is alleged that Smart shot and killed 27-year-old Kay-Ann Lamont following a tussle after he accosted her over the use of expletives. She was allegedly shot in the head twice. Her sister was shot in the shoulder, after running towards her, and had to be hospitalised.

The incident sparked two days of protests in the vicinity of the Yallahs Police Station where the shooting occurred.

Attorney Tom Tavares-Finson and his son Chris have been retained on behalf of the victims' family to watch the criminal court proceedings against Smart.

At the same time, Dorothy Lightbourne, QC, has been retained to secure compensation from the State.