By Breaking Belize News Staff: Thirty-one-year-old Emerson West and a 16-year-old boy, jointly charged with the murder of 19-year-old Dodrick Madrill, have been remanded to custody after their arraignment was completed on Tuesday, November 3, despite their attorney claiming police never gave them an opportunity to provide their statements.
The two accused returned to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court accompanied by attorney Norman Rodriguez, following Monday’s unusual proceedings in which their arraignment was interrupted after both expressed a desire to tell investigators their side of the story.
During Tuesday’s brief hearing, which lasted less than ten minutes, the Chief Magistrate explained to Rodriguez what had transpired the previous day.
However, speaking outside the courtroom, Rodriguez said his clients informed him that despite being taken back to the Queen Street Police Station, they were simply placed in a detention cell and subsequently returned to court without being interviewed.
As previously reported by Breaking Belize News, Monday’s arraignment was halted after both accused told the Chief Magistrate they wanted to provide their accounts but were uncertain which police officers they could trust.
The minor specifically complained about allegations circulating in the media, insisting that what was being said about him was untrue and that he wanted an opportunity to explain himself.
The Chief Magistrate subsequently directed that both accused be returned to the police station to speak with investigators.
On Tuesday, the court completed the arraignment and ordered both accused remanded due to the nature of the murder charge.
West was remanded to the Belize Central Prison, while the 16-year-old was sent to the Wagner’s Youth Facility on the prison compound.
Their next court appearance is scheduled for February 11, 2027.
The charges stem from the October 29 murder of Madrill, who was gunned down while walking along Freedom Street in Belize City.
Police allege that surveillance footage captured a gunman pursuing and shooting Madrill before fleeing. Investigators subsequently traced a white van believed to have been involved in the attack.
During Sunday’s emergency police briefing, Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith confirmed that surveillance technology helped investigators identify the suspects.
Police believe the murder was connected to an internal gang dispute, although the specific alleged roles of the accused have not been publicly detailed.
Both West and the minor remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The post Dodrick Madrill murder suspects remanded after attorney claims police never took their statements despite interrupted arraignment appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Thirty-one-year-old Emerson West and a 16-year-old boy, jointly charged with the murder of 19-year-old Dodrick Madrill, have been remanded to custody after their arraignment was completed on Tuesday, November 3, despite their attorney claiming police never gave them an opportunity to provide their statements. The two accused returned to the
The post Dodrick Madrill murder suspects remanded after attorney claims police never took their statements despite interrupted arraignment appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.