The trial of three men accused of murdering an American visitor began on Monday with all lawyers agreeing it may not end until the New Year.

Terranz Sydney Smith, of Somerset Road, Sandys, James Allan Dill, of no fixed abode, and Robert Blair Tucker, of Astwood Close in Pembroke, were all charged with the murder of Mr. Stanley Lee, otherwise known as Sean ?Sha? Russels, on or about July 28, 2001.

The badly decomposed body of Mr. Lee, 41, was discovered in Lagoon Park in Sandys on August 9, 2001.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty and will be tried together before a two-man, ten-woman jury.

Representing Smith was lawyer Ed Bailey, while Elizabeth Christopher represented Dill and Larry Scott represented Tucker. Tucker had originally retained lawyer Mark Pettingill, however Mr. Pettingill resigned from the case in 2002 before it went to trial.

The trial was further delayed when Tucker wanted to retain a Jamaican Queen?s Counsel, however he begins the trial with Larry Scott.

Director of Public Prosecutions Kulandra Ratneser will lead the Crown?s case, assisted by counsel Juan Wolffe and Cindy Clarke. Presiding was Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller.

As Mr. Ratneser was off the Island on Monday, Mr. Wolffe spoke for the Crown. He said the Crown would be calling 27 witnesses, including expert witnesses from overseas. Mr. Wolffe said the evidence would be ?voluminous?, and added: ?I would not be surprised if the trial did not conclude until the New Year.?

The jury were released until 9.30 a.m. on November 18 for lawyers to present legal arguments in voir dire proceedings before Mrs. Wade-Miller.