By Breaking Belize News Staff: Maynor Rene Ancona, who is charged with manslaughter by negligence in the 2024 death of his common-law wife, American national Jennifer Lynn Griffith, will face a judge-alone trial in the High Court next year.
Ancona, 43, appeared before Justice Candace Nanton for a pre-trial hearing, where his trial was scheduled for February 23 to 26, 2027.
The matter will be heard by Justice Nanton without a jury. Ancona is represented by attorney Oscar Selgado and is due back before the High Court on December 1, 2026, ahead of the trial.
Ancona is accused of causing the death of 46-year-old Griffith during a confrontation in northern San Pedro in April 2024.
Police alleged that Ancona became involved in a fight and threw conch shells toward another man, with one of the shells striking Griffith in the back of the head. She was treated for serious head injuries but later died.
A post-mortem examination determined that Griffith died from head trauma caused by the impact. Police Commissioner Chester Williams said at the time that investigators believed Griffith was not Ancona’s intended target.
Ancona was subsequently charged with manslaughter by negligence following directives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
BBN reported in June that Selgado was appointed by the High Court to represent Ancona after the court was informed that he could not afford to retain counsel.
The post Maynor Ancona to face judge-alone trial in 2027 over death of common-law wife appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Maynor Rene Ancona, who is charged with manslaughter by negligence in the 2024 death of his common-law wife, American national Jennifer Lynn Griffith, will face a judge-alone trial in the High Court next year. Ancona, 43, appeared before Justice Candace Nanton for a pre-trial hearing, where his trial was scheduled
The post Maynor Ancona to face judge-alone trial in 2027 over death of common-law wife appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
