By Breaking Belize News Staff: Twenty-two-year-old Bevan Alford has been called to answer to a charge of murder in connection with the March 5, 2023 shooting death of Freddy Edwardo Chicas on the John Smith Road.
Alford, who turned 22 behind bars eight days ago, is on trial before Justice Nigel Pilgrim. His attorney, Norman Moore, had made a no-case submission, arguing that the Crown had not established sufficient evidence against his client. However, Justice Pilgrim dismissed the submission, finding that the evidence, when taken at its highest, was capable of leading a properly directed jury to convict.
The Crown’s case relies in part on evidence from police witnesses, including allegations that Alford confessed to involvement in Chicas’ killing while he was detained. One female police sergeant testified that Alford, who she said was in a relationship with her daughter, sent her a photo of the deceased and indicated that he wanted to turn himself in. According to her testimony, Alford allegedly told her, “I send someone for him.”
Another Crown witness, a male officer, testified that Alford told him he had killed someone, though the officer said Alford did not name the person at the time. The officer also testified that Alford threatened to kill him if he told anyone, but said he did not take the threat seriously.
Moore challenged the Crown’s evidence, arguing that his client had told police he did not kill Chicas and had only moved the body. He also questioned the credibility of the Crown’s witnesses.
After being called to answer, Alford chose to give a statement from the dock. He told the court that he is a recovering addict, denied involvement in the murder, and said he was battling depression and drug use at the time.
“I never committed anything. I have no participation with this crime. I do not know what happened to that young man,” Alford told the court. He added that he wants another chance to finish his education and “be someone in life.”
Justice Pilgrim adjourned the trial to June 3, 2026, for oral submissions, if any. A decision is expected sometime in July, on a date yet to be set.
Alford was further remanded to the Belize Central Prison.
The post Bevan Alford called to answer murder charge in 2023 John Smith Road killing of Freddy Chicas appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Twenty-two-year-old Bevan Alford has been called to answer to a charge of murder in connection with the March 5, 2023 shooting death of Freddy Edwardo Chicas on the John Smith Road. Alford, who turned 22 behind bars eight days ago, is on trial before Justice Nigel Pilgrim. His attorney, Norman
The post Bevan Alford called to answer murder charge in 2023 John Smith Road killing of Freddy Chicas appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
