A police constable and a soldier are to be charged with murder today in connection with two recent controversial shootings.

Sources say the development is in keeping with a ruling which was handed down by the director of public prosecutions on Wednesday.

Constable Okaroe Bennett of the narcotics police is to be formally charged with the murder of his girlfriend Jacqueline Johnson, 29, who was shot dead at his home in Westchester, Portmore, in St Catherine two weeks ago.

It was reported that Constable Bennett told investigators that Johnson was playing with his service pistol. It was said that the gun was being taken from her when it went off, shooting her in the neck.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Defence Force soldier whose identity is being withheld is to be charged in connection with the June 19 shooting in which a resident of Franklyn Town in east Kingston was fatally shot.

The man was reportedly outside when he was shot.

Both men are also to appear in court today.