By Breaking Belize News Staff: The double murder trial of Ladyville barber Miguelito Encalada continued on Monday in the High Court, with a key ruling on the admissibility of evidence following a voir dire.
Justice Candace Nanton ruled that an alleged oral utterance made by Encalada to police—reportedly stating, “My gun is there”—is inadmissible in the trial. However, she allowed both the written notes of interview and a recorded video statement to be admitted into evidence.
Encalada, who is accused of the April 20, 2023 shooting deaths of his common-law wife, Desiree Elizabeth Gonzalez, and his brother, 25-year-old George Vincent Rochester, chose to give a dock statement after being informed of his rights.
In his statement, Encalada denied any involvement in the killings, telling the court, “I have nothing to do with my common-law wife Desiree murder or my brother’s death. I am an innocent man to this crime. I will leave it at this. I hope that helps.”
He recounted that on the night of the incident, he had been at his establishment drinking when he fell asleep and was later awakened by what he believed were gunshots. He claimed he was confronted by armed men who forced him to the ground and threatened his life before fleeing with thousands of dollars.
The prosecution, led by Crown Counsel Joseph Perez from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, closed its case shortly before 2:00 p.m. after calling nearly 20 witnesses. Among them was a police officer who confirmed that Encalada owned a licensed 9mm firearm prior to the murders, and a forensic expert who testified that ballistic evidence from the scene matched that weapon.
Encalada, who is represented by attorney Hurl Hamilton, called no alibi witnesses in his defense.
The court has set deadlines for written submissions, with the Crown to file by April 22, 2026, and the defense by May 4, 2026. Justice Nanton has reserved her decision, which is scheduled to be delivered on May 22, 2026.
The post Miguelito Encalada back in court for double murder trial in double-killing of 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 barber Miguelito Encalada continued on Monday in the High Court, with a key ruling on the admissibility of evidence following a voir dire. Justice Candace Nanton ruled that an alleged oral utterance made by Encalada to police—reportedly stating, “My gun is there”—is inadmissible in
The post Miguelito Encalada back in court for double murder trial in double-killing of wife and brother appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
