Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

The trial of three men charged in connection with the murder of a St Catherine man has being hampered with the absence of the sole eyewitness.

Dead is Wilton Vassell of Windsor Heights, Central Village, St Catherine.

Those charged with murder are Dean Perry and Jumah Vassell, while Ricardo Marks is charged with accessory after the fact.

When the case was mentioned in the Spanish Town Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday, investigating officer Detective Corporal Andre Smith told the court that the person who saw the incident has gone missing.

Clerk of Court, Nicola Rowe, asked that the matter be put off so as to give the police more time to locate the witness.

The matter was postponed until April 16, when it is set again to be mentioned.

Allegations before the court are that on May 13, Vassell and Perry had a dispute during which Perry was cut on the lip.

Perry was reportedly joined by Jumah, Vassell's son and they reportedly beat him.

It is said that during the incident a large stone was used to hit Vassell in the head.

Marks is alleged to have driven his car to the scene and Perry and Jumah wrapped the body in tarpaulin and placed it in the trunk of the car.

All three men are alleged to have dumped the body in bushes along the Caymanas Bay road in St Catherine.

Investigation launched by the Central Village police resulted in the arrest and charge of the men.