By Breaking Belize News Staff: Two Belize City siblings accused of attempting to murder a man during a 2023 stabbing incident will be provided with separate state-appointed attorneys after telling the High Court they cannot afford legal representation.
Pamela Estrada, 38, and her younger brother Ricky Scotty Jones, 31, appeared unrepresented before High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim in connection with an attempted murder charge stemming from the stabbing of Leon Shane Vernon.
During Tuesday’s appearance, Justice Pilgrim questioned the siblings about whether they intended to retain attorneys.
“At this time it’s difficult to get one,” Jones reportedly told the court.
Estrada similarly told the court that she was experiencing financial difficulties, explaining that her sister recently died and left behind three children.
Justice Pilgrim advised the siblings that while they have the right to represent themselves, he did not believe that would be advisable given the seriousness of the attempted murder charge and the potential prison sentence if convicted.
The court therefore indicated that separate attorneys would be appointed by the state to represent Estrada and Jones.
The siblings were initially charged in July 2023 following a stabbing at a Victoria Street residence in Belize City.
Police reported at the time that Vernon, then 26, suffered multiple stab wounds after a brawl erupted at the residence on July 10, 2023. Investigators said Vernon was seen running from the yard with injuries before collapsing a short distance away and being taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
Estrada and Jones were subsequently indicted in the High Court on attempted murder charges. Their matter had previously been before Justice Candace Nanton before being transferred to Justice Pilgrim.
Both remain out on bail, which was extended pending their next appearance.
The case has been adjourned to October 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
The post Brother and sister accused of attempted murder say they cannot afford attorneys; state to appoint separate lawyers appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Two Belize City siblings accused of attempting to murder a man during a 2023 stabbing incident will be provided with separate state-appointed attorneys after telling the High Court they cannot afford legal representation. Pamela Estrada, 38, and her younger brother Ricky Scotty Jones, 31, appeared unrepresented before High Court Justice
The post Brother and sister accused of attempted murder say they cannot afford attorneys; state to appoint separate lawyers appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
