THE ‘Lusignan Massacre’ murder trial involving the murder of 11 persons began yesterday before Justice Navindra Singh with the defence making 15 successful jury challenges for cause.

The exercise took Justice Singh the entire day to complete and empanel the 12 persons who would decide the fate of murder accused Mark Royden Williams, also known as ‘Smallie’; and James Anthony Hyles, also known as ‘Sally’, who are facing an 11-count indictment for having murdered Shazim Mohamed, also called Shazam Mohamed; Mohandai Gurdat; Seegopaul Harrilal; Seegobin Harrilal; Rooplall Seecharran, also known as Seecharrran Rooplall; Dhanajie, also known as Banrajie Ramsingh; Raywattie Ramsingh; Shalem Baksh; Vanessa Thomas; Clarence Thomas and Ron Thomas on January 26, 2008 in the county of Demerara.
The accused are being represented by Mr. Nigel Hughes and Mr. Roger Yearwood, Attorneys–at-law.
Senior State Counsel, Mrs. Judith Gildharie-Mursalin, in association with Mrs. Tishana Lake, is prosecuting.
The prosecutrix will deliver her opening address to the jury this morning.