By Breaking Belize News Staff: The double murder trial of Ladyville resident and barber Miguelito Encalada continued on Tuesday before Justice Nigel Pilgrim in the High Court, with proceedings advancing following the conclusion of a voir dire.
Encalada is charged with two counts of murder in connection with the April 20, 2023 shooting deaths of his wife, Desiree Elizabeth Gonzalez, and his brother, 25-year-old George Vincent Rochester, on Scissors Tail Street in Ladyville. The incident shocked the community and left many questioning the circumstances surrounding the killings.
On Tuesday, both the Crown and the defense closed their submissions in the voir dire—a trial within a trial—held to determine the admissibility of a recorded note of interview allegedly given by Encalada. Justice Pilgrim has reserved his ruling and is expected to first hear closing arguments from both sides before making a decision on whether the statement will be admitted into evidence.
Despite the pending ruling, the Crown has already begun calling witnesses as the trial progresses.
The matter, which officially commenced on March 12, 2026, has been adjourned and is scheduled to continue on March 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before Justice Pilgrim.
On the day of the incident, police reportedly found Encalada seated outside his residence, while the bodies of his wife and brother were discovered inside the home.
Encalada is being represented in the matter by attorney Hurl Hamilton.
The post Witness testimony begins in Miguel Encalada double murder trial, accused of killing wife and brother appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The double murder trial of Ladyville resident and barber Miguelito Encalada continued on Tuesday before Justice Nigel Pilgrim in the High Court, with proceedings advancing following the conclusion of a voir dire. Encalada is charged with two counts of murder in connection with the April 20, 2023 shooting deaths of
The post Witness testimony begins in Miguel Encalada double murder trial, accused of killing wife and brother appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
