By Breaking Belize News Staff: Justice Derick Sylvester has resumed presiding over criminal trials in the High Court after focusing solely on civil matters in late 2025 due to heavy backlogs. On Thursday, three men were indicted on separate murder charges and were further remanded to the Belize Central Prison.
The accused are Shenyon Barrow, Maurice Usher Jr., and Peter Amado Lara, all of whom appeared before Justice Sylvester on Thursday.
First to be arraigned was Shenyon Barrow, who appeared unrepresented. Due to the seriousness of the charges, Justice Sylvester appointed attorney Michael Peyrifitte to represent him. At 10:59 a.m., Barrow was indicted on four charges—one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder—arising from a shooting incident on March 21, 2025. The incident claimed the life of Floyd McFadzean and left Troy Gentle, Dion Gladden, and Jaheim Bennett injured. Barrow pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and is scheduled to return to court on Friday, February 5, 2026, for a Case Management Conference (CMC). Justice Sylvester ordered that CMC forms be filed by Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Next before the court was 45-year-old Maurice Usher Jr., who was also unrepresented. Justice Sylvester appointed attorney-at-Law Oscar Selgado to represent him, an appointment which Selgado accepted. Usher Jr., who indicated his desire to bring his case to an early conclusion, requested a sentencing indication. Justice Sylvester advised him to first consult with his attorney after disclosure is reviewed. At 10:45 a.m., Usher Jr. was indicted on a single count of murder, to which he pleaded not guilty. He is accused of killing Godfrey Crawford on September 29, 2021, at Mile 31, Crooked Tree Village, along the Philip Goldson Highway.
The final murder matter involved 23-year-old Peter Amado Lara, a Southside resident of Jane Usher Boulevard. Lara appeared unrepresented and could not be indicted at this time, as the court must first appoint legal representation. Justice Sylvester indicated he has an attorney in mind and will update Lara once availability is confirmed. Lara is scheduled to return to court on Thursday, February 5, 2026, when an attorney is expected to be appointed and dates set for CMC and trial. Lara is accused of the murder of Mark Anthony Leslie Waight, which allegedly occurred on January 25, 2025.
All three men were further remanded to the Belize Central Prison as proceedings continue.
The post Three men indicted on murder charges as Justice Sylvester resumes criminal trials appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Justice Derick Sylvester has resumed presiding over criminal trials in the High Court after focusing solely on civil matters in late 2025 due to heavy backlogs. On Thursday, three men were indicted on separate murder charges and were further remanded to the Belize Central Prison. The accused are Shenyon Barrow,
The post Three men indicted on murder charges as Justice Sylvester resumes criminal trials appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
