Posted: Tuesday, February 11, 2025. 12:38 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A fisherman who stabbed a teenager during a heated argument has avoided additional prison time after striking a plea deal with the prosecution.
42-year-old Fernando Allen was initially charged with attempted murder for stabbing 19-year-old Rafael Marin in the torso on October 22, 2022. However, after pleading guilty to the lesser charge of wounding, Justice Derick Sylvester sentenced him to time served and imposed a two-year suspended sentence.
The altercation unfolded at an unfinished building on Avenida Langosta Street in Caye Caulker around 10:00 p.m.Witness Miguel Guerra saw Allen and Marin arguing for about two minutes, during which Marin slapped Allen. Allen then left but returned with a knife, stabbing Marin in the torso before fleeing.
Marin collapsed but was assisted by Guerra and PC Kevin Rodriguez, who was on mobile patrol. Police arrived soon after and transported him to the Caye Caulker Polyclinic, from where he was later transferred to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) for further treatment. Allen was later arrested and charged.
Facing the possibility of a much longer prison sentence, Allen opted for a plea bargain. With the assistance of Attorney Norman Rodriguez, who represented him pro bono, Allen’s charge was reduced to wounding.
Justice Sylvester considered sentencing guidelines, setting an initial three-year sentence, but reduced it after factoring in eight months of pre-trial detention. Allen was ultimately given a two-year suspended sentence, meaning he will only serve additional jail time if he violates the law within the next year.
Additionally, Allen was ordered to compensate Marin with $15,000. $5,000 must be paid within two months. The remaining $10,000 must be paid within 12 months after the first payment.
In his final words to the court, a remorseful Allen pleaded for leniency, saying: “I beg for leniency. Sorry to the court. I wah tek full responsibility for what I did.”
With his plea accepted, Allen now walks free—but must remain on good behavior or risk serving his remaining sentence in prison.
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The post Caye Caulker fisherman spared jail time after plea deal in stabbing case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, February 11, 2025. 12:38 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: A fisherman who stabbed a teenager during a heated argument has avoided additional
The post Caye Caulker fisherman spared jail time after plea deal in stabbing case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
