Posted: Monday, January 6, 2025. 10:10 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Ladyville father is facing serious legal trouble after being accused of assaulting his common-law wife and 7-year-old step-son with a pellet gun during a heated domestic dispute on New Year’s Day.
Anthony Albert Zelaya, a 30-year-old maintenance worker, appeared unrepresented before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court last Friday. Zelaya was arraigned on three charges: aggravated assault on his estranged common-law wife; aggravated assault on his step-son; and damage to property for destroying a Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued at $289.
Zelaya pleaded guilty to the property damage charge, for which he was fined $300 plus $5 in court costs. He has until February 14, 2025, to pay the fine or face three months of imprisonment. However, Zelaya pleaded not guilty to the two aggravated assault charges and was denied bail due to the severity of the allegations.
Prosecutors revealed that Zelaya allegedly discharged a pellet gun at the child from just four feet away during the altercation. Although the pellet did not cause injury, prosecutors emphasized the potential danger of such a weapon, noting that pellet guns can be lethal, especially if altered.
The Chief Magistrate expressed concern for the safety of the child and acknowledged that the Human Services Department is now involved in the case. The court has requested a report from the department, which is expected within two weeks, to determine the next steps. Zelaya was remanded to prison until January 24, 2025, pending further proceedings.
Zelaya told the court he loved his step-son as his own child and claimed he would never harm him. He also alleged that his common-law wife wanted to withdraw the charges, but the court refused to entertain the request, prioritizing the welfare of the minor involved.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on January 1, 2025, around 7:30 p.m. His wife told authorities that the argument escalated after Zelaya grabbed her cellphone to prevent her from calling 911. She later used her son’s phone to contact the police, who found the damaged phone at the scene and detained Zelaya.
Zelaya will return to court later this month to face the remaining charges of aggravated assault.
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The post Ladyville man remanded for allegedly assaulting common-law wife and shooting stepson with pellet gun appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, January 6, 2025. 10:10 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Ladyville father is facing serious legal trouble after being accused of assaulting
The post Ladyville man remanded for allegedly assaulting common-law wife and shooting stepson with pellet gun appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
