shooting in Washington D.C. started on Monday.

Clifton Derwin Badgett is charged with murdering Jay Willis Holmes on January 18 in the Pepper Mill Drive area of Washington D.C.. Mr. Holmes, 27, died in hospital after being shot twice.

He was the only son of Cynthia Bean Holmes, formerly of North Shore, Pembroke, with whom he lived in Capitol Heights, Washington D.C. -- less than a block away from where he was shot.

Special assistant to the State's Attorney for Prince George's County in Maryland, Paula Burr, told The Royal Gazette that a jury was picked, opening statements were given and the State began presenting its case during the course of the day.

She said five witnesses were presented by prosecutors, two of whom were passengers in Mr. Holmes' car on January 18.

Ms Burr said the State's case would likely conclude this week when Badgett's attorney would take over. The trial is before Judge G.R. Hovey Johnson at the 7th Judicial circuit Court in Maryland.

Police claim Badgett is a senior member of Washington crack-selling gang, the 58th Street Mob. They said he was out on bond and awaiting trial on a weapons charge at the time of the shooting.

Mr. Holmes was a dental assistant and Howard University graduate. Although legally a US citizen, Mr. Holmes had taken steps to finalise his Bermudian naturalisation rights through his mother's status.

BERMUDIAN BDA COURTS CTS