PROSECUTORS have established a prima facie case against a police constable charged with murder following a probe by Independent Commission of Investigations into a fatal shooting in Montego Bay, St James, in May 2022.

Trial judge Diahann Bernard, after carefully reviewing the evidence presented, determined that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

Justice Bernard handed down the ruling on Monday in St James Parish Court, transferring the case to the St James Circuit Court for mention and a case management conference on May 22.

The constable’s bail was extended until that date.

Constable Waeyvel Phillips is charged in relation to the May 13, 2022 fatal shooting of 33-year old Kadmar Beadle at a bar on Jarrett Street in Montego Bay.

It was reported that Beadle and Constable Phillips, who was off duty, had an argument at the bar.

During a tussle, Beadle was shot and the policeaimplement.

Both men were taken to hospital where Beadle was pronounced dead.

Constable Phillips, who had left the island following the incident, was taken into custody on his return to Jamaica, seven months after the director of public prosecutions ruled that he be charged with the offences of murder and making use of a firearm to commit a felony.

Residents who had blocked the road at Hart Street in protest against the shooting had claimed that it was carried out in circumstances that were unjustified.