By Aaron Humes: Belize Defence Force (BDF) Private Ramon Alberto Alcoser, and Police Constable, Corporal Juan Carlos Morales, were found guilty of perverting the course of justice related to the shooting death of soldier Jessie Escobar. The verdict was delivered shortly before 11 a.m. in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court.
The trial centered around the incident that occurred in Santa Familia Village, Cayo District, on September 5, 2021, where Escobar was fatally shot. The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl Lynn-Vidal, presented evidence suggesting that both Alcoser and Morales provided false statements regarding the events surrounding the shooting.
After reviewing the evidence, the Senior Magistrate concluded that the two law enforcement officers intentionally misled investigators in their accounts, which were given soon after the incident. While the defense claimed the officers may have been traumatized, the Magistrate rejected this notion, asserting that their testimonies were candid and not indicative of coercion.
Following the verdict, both Alcoser and Morales were remanded to the Belize Central Prison as they await sentencing, which is scheduled for December 4.
On December 17, 2024, during the trial, defense counsel Marcel Cardona called three witnesses to testify on behalf of Alcoser. Among them was Dr Alejandro Matus Torres, a psychiatrist who diagnosed Alcoser with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder. Captain Jairo Che, also called as a witness, denied pressuring Alcoser to provide conflicting statements.
Alcoser, in his testimony, recounted the traumatic nature of witnessing Escobar’s death, describing the event as life-altering. He stated that he had not been able to read the statement he signed under duress, indicating he was tired, hungry, and eager to conclude the process.
The post Police officer and Belize Defence Force soldier guilty of perverting the course of justice in death of Jessie Escobar appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: Belize Defence Force (BDF) Private Ramon Alberto Alcoser, and Police Constable, Corporal Juan Carlos Morales, were found guilty of perverting the course of justice related to the shooting death of soldier Jessie Escobar. The verdict was delivered shortly before 11 a.m. in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. The trial centered around the
The post Police officer and Belize Defence Force soldier guilty of perverting the course of justice in death of Jessie Escobar appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
