Belmopan businessman Osmar Correa to be extradited to the USA for 1998 intoxication manslaughter case

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Osmar Eliasar Correa, a 48-year-old Belmopan businessman, is set to be extradited to the USA to face trial for charges of ‘Intoxication Manslaughter’ and other offenses dating back to 1998. Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola granted the extradition request in a 16-page decision on Thursday at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court.

The extradition proceedings began in late November 2023 after a formal request from the United States Government to Belize. The charges against Correa stem from an incident on March 23, 1998, in Texas, where he allegedly drove under the influence of alcohol, causing a fatal collision with an ambulance, resulting in two deaths.

Correa was arrested in Texas in 1998 and subsequently charged with two counts of Intoxication Manslaughter and three counts of Intoxication Assault under the Texas Penal Code. He was released on bail but failed to appear in court on August 10, 1998, leading to a ‘Capias’ Warrant being issued against him.

In 2000, Correa was found living in the Orange Walk District by FBI officials. The US authorities confirmed his whereabouts in Belize in 2016. The extradition request, along with supporting documents, was received by the Belize Ambassador in Washington, leading to a warrant for Correa’s arrest in Belize.

Correa’s extradition was challenged on constitutional grounds under Section 6 (2) of the Belize Constitution. The High Court of Belize resolved the matter in favor of the crown on August 25, 2023, allowing the extradition proceedings to continue.

Representing the state during the extradition hearing were Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn-Vidal and Senior Crown Counsel Stacy Martinez. Correa, represented by attorney Bryan Neal, expressed disappointment with today’s decision. Neal announced plans to file an application for “habeas corpus” in the High Court.

Chief Magistrate Wegodapola informed Correa that he has 15 days before the extradition proceedings conclude, during which necessary documents will be prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue the surrender warrant.

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