By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 23-year-old construction worker from Orange Walk is asking the High Court for mercy and leniency as he awaits sentencing for a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old Sandhill resident.
Oscar Galindo, who pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless conduct, appeared before Justice Derick Sylvester for mitigation submissions. The judge has adjourned the matter until June 16, 2026, when an appropriate sentence is expected to be handed down.
Galindo, who remains out on bail, was originally charged at age 21 with manslaughter by negligence in connection with the fatal crash that killed Denia Ashanti Rowland, 19, a call center agent of Lords Bank Village.
The deadly accident occurred on Saturday, April 6, 2024, after the vehicle in which Rowland was travelling reportedly lost control and flipped several times. Rowland was thrown from the vehicle, struck the pavement on impact, and died at the scene.
During mitigation submissions in the High Court, Galindo was represented by attorney Oscar Selgado.
In a written statement presented to the court, Galindo described himself as a Belizean construction worker of Pineapple Street, Orange Walk Town, and the father of one daughter who is in a common-law relationship.
He acknowledged the gravity of the tragedy, telling the court that the crash took away the life of a young woman who would now never get to fulfill her dreams.
Galindo admitted that his actions caused the injuries that led to Rowland’s death and also injured other passengers who were inside the vehicle at the time.
He further expressed deep remorse, saying he could not find the proper words to convey the sorrow and personal grief he feels for Rowland’s family as well as the families of the surviving victims.
Galindo also asked the surviving victims and the deceased’s family for the strength to forgive him for causing such profound pain.
In closing, he pleaded with the court for “mercy and leniency” when sentence is imposed.
Justice Sylvester is expected to deliver his sentencing decision on June 16, 2026.
The post Oscar Galindo pleads for mercy as he awaits sentencing for traffic accident that killed Denia Rowland appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 23-year-old construction worker from Orange Walk is asking the High Court for mercy and leniency as he awaits sentencing for a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old Sandhill resident. Oscar Galindo, who pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of causing death by careless conduct, appeared
The post Oscar Galindo pleads for mercy as he awaits sentencing for traffic accident that killed Denia Rowland appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.