By Breaking Belize News Staff: The murder trial of two former police officers accused of killing San Pedro businessman Elvis Raul Polanco in 2022 continued in the High Court on Monday, November 9, with additional witness testimony and plans for a visit to the crime scene.
Winfield Mortis, 36, a former interdicted police officer, and Edward Moraga, 29, who was previously dismissed from the Belize Police Department, are standing trial before High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim in proceedings without a jury.
The prosecution is being led by Crown Counsel Porsha Staine-Ferguson, assisted by Crown Counsel Maria Nembhard-Santana.
During Monday’s proceedings, two agreed witness statements were read into evidence, while two police witnesses testified. So far, the prosecution has called four witnesses and introduced approximately eight agreed statements.
Among those who have testified is Polanco’s common-law wife, Thomasa Velasco, who witnessed the November 19, 2022, shooting that claimed her husband’s life.
Polanco, 43, the owner of Jade Bar in San Pedro, was returning home with Velasco in a golf cart around 5:00 a.m. on Garifuna Settlement Day when they were ambushed near the entrance to the Escalante subdivision.
According to earlier reports, a masked gunman emerged from nearby bushes and opened fire, fatally wounding Polanco and injuring Velasco. Her purse, reportedly containing $12,000, was also stolen during the attack.
Mortis, who had reportedly worked as a security guard at Polanco’s business, and Moraga were formally charged with murder in January 2023 following directives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mortis is represented by attorney Dr. Lynden Jones, while Moraga is represented by attorney Simeon Sampson.
Before Monday’s adjournment, the prosecution informed the court that it intends to apply for a visit to the crime scene, known as a locus in quo. Velasco is among three witnesses expected to participate in the visit.
The prosecution also indicated that the Director of Public Prosecutions will personally join the team handling the case.
A date for the crime scene visit has not yet been established.
The trial, which commenced on November 3, is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, November 10, before Justice Pilgrim.
The post Murder trial continues for two former police officers accused of killing San Pedro businessman Elvis Polanco appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The murder trial of two former police officers accused of killing San Pedro businessman Elvis Raul Polanco in 2022 continued in the High Court on Monday, November 9, with additional witness testimony and plans for a visit to the crime scene. Winfield Mortis, 36, a former interdicted police officer, and
The post Murder trial continues for two former police officers accused of killing San Pedro businessman Elvis Polanco appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
