By Breaking Belize News Staff: Ladyville barber Miguelito Encalada has been found guilty of two counts of murder for the shooting deaths of his common-law wife, Desiree Elizabeth Gonzalez, and his brother, George Vincent Rochester.
The double murder occurred in broad daylight on Thursday, April 20, 2023, on Scissors Tail Street in the New Site area of Ladyville. The case drew national attention after a disturbing image from the scene was reportedly posted on social media.
Justice Candace Nanton handed down the guilty verdict inside the High Court this afternoon. Encalada was escorted into the prisoner’s box at around 2:03 p.m., and within minutes, the court found him guilty of both murders.
During the trial, Encalada denied killing Gonzalez and Rochester. In a dock statement, he claimed that armed men invaded his business establishment, stole his licensed firearm, killed his wife and brother, and spared his life. However, Justice Nanton rejected his account.
The Crown’s case included evidence that Encalada was the licensed owner of a 9mm pistol, and ballistic evidence reportedly linked his licensed firearm to fragments recovered from the murder scene.
Justice Nanton said she will provide her written decision within about a week, outlining the factors she considered in arriving at the guilty verdict.
Sentencing has been adjourned to Monday, July 20, 2026. The court has ordered several reports ahead of sentencing, including a psychiatric evaluation, social inquiry report, antecedent report, Kolbe Foundation prison report, and victim impact statements from the relatives of both victims.
The Crown has also been ordered to file sentencing submissions on or before June 30, 2026. Justice Nanton noted that because the case involves the killing of two persons, sentencing submissions should be heard in open court.
Crown Counsels Glenfield Dennison and Joseph Perez prosecuted the case for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The post Miguelito Encalada found guilty of killing wife and brother in sensational 2023 Ladyville double murder appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Ladyville barber Miguelito Encalada has been found guilty of two counts of murder for the shooting deaths of his common-law wife, Desiree Elizabeth Gonzalez, and his brother, George Vincent Rochester. The double murder occurred in broad daylight on Thursday, April 20, 2023, on Scissors Tail Street in the New Site
The post Miguelito Encalada found guilty of killing wife and brother in sensational 2023 Ladyville double murder appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
