Former Cable & Wireless security guard Philemon Miller and his nephew Miruts Milton, who this week pleaded not guilty to robbing Cable & Wireless, are from May Pen, the same small Jamaican town as the three men charged with the murder of Ms. Rhule.

Their alleged accomplice, Sanjay Briscoe, who earlier pleaded guilty to playing a part in the Cable & Wireless robbery and has testified this week against Mr. Milton and Mr. Miller, is also from May Pen.

Kerriann Ebanks, another prosecution witness in this week's case, was Ms. Rhule's roommate at the time of the murder. She arrived home during the attack on Ms. Rhule, but she was able to escape to a neighbour's apartment, police said.

She is also Mr. Milton's sister.

Director of Public Prosecutions Terrence Williams said Tuesday morning that Mr. Miller, Mr. Milton and Mr. Briscoe conspired to rob Cable & Wireless employee Janice Fahie, and that they stole a bag full of cash and checks totalling $88,479,61.

Mr. Miller and Mr. Milton are charged with robbery and with conspiring to commit robbery.

Ms. Ebanks was scheduled to testify Wednesday afternoon.