By Breaking Belize News Staff: The murder trial against San Pedro residents Christian Espat and Michael Brown has not yet started, as the Crown has first asked the High Court for permission to have two fearful witnesses testify virtually.
The application was made before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, who heard oral submissions from the Crown on Thursday. Prosecutors for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are seeking to have the witnesses give evidence by virtual means instead of appearing physically in court.
Attorneys for the accused men have objected to the application. Espat is being represented by attorney Leeroy Banner, while Brown is being represented by attorney Dr. Lynden Jones.
The defense submitted that the witnesses should appear in person, arguing that virtual testimony could affect the accused men’s right to confront their accusers. The Crown, however, argued that the right to cross-examine the witnesses would still be preserved, even if the testimony is given virtually.
Justice Pilgrim is expected to deliver his ruling on June 12, 2026, when he will decide whether the two Crown witnesses will be allowed to testify virtually or whether they must appear in court in person.
Espat and Brown are accused in connection with the October 2023 San Pedro mass shooting that claimed the lives of three-year-old Amari Rodriguez, her father Delmar Rodriguez, and Carlos Chi. Public reports at the time said the shooting also left several other persons injured in the San Pedrito area.
On October 27, 2023, the two men were read multiple indictable charges, including three counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and three counts of use of deadly means of harm.
As with all accused persons, Espat and Brown are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The post Court to rule on whether scared witnesses can testify virtually in Christian Espat, Michael Brown trial on San Pedro triple murder appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The murder trial against San Pedro residents Christian Espat and Michael Brown has not yet started, as the Crown has first asked the High Court for permission to have two fearful witnesses testify virtually. The application was made before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, who heard oral submissions from the Crown on
The post Court to rule on whether scared witnesses can testify virtually in Christian Espat, Michael Brown trial on San Pedro triple murder appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
