Posted: Friday, July 18, 2025. 4:33 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: William Alexander Mason, also known as “Danny” Mason, has been sentenced to two concurrent 24-year prison terms for the kidnapping of Mennonite couple Lloyd and Rosie Friessen in 2016. The sentences will run consecutively with his existing life sentence for the murder of Pastor Llewelyn Lucas.
The Friessens allege they were kidnapped by Mason’s employees on May 31, 2016, while attempting to collect a refund from Mason. They were held captive, gagged, and tied up, with bags placed over their heads. Mason demanded $2,500 weekly for their protection before releasing them.
High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim handed down the sentence, citing Mason’s role as a “thug” or gang leader, and the significant harm suffered by the victims. The judge considered various aggravating factors, including Mason’s previous conviction for murder and the breach of trust and psychological harm inflicted on the Friessens.
Mason’s sentence was ordered to start after he completes his minimum 35-year term for the murder conviction, which would make him eligible for parole on July 20, 2051. Given Mason’s current age of 55, he would be 71 when the kidnapping sentence begins, and 95 when it ends, potentially meaning he may die behind bars, but this was a fit outcome per Justice Pilgrim.
Mason, represented by Peter Taylor, has already appealed his kidnapping convictions. The court accepted the verdict of the jurors, who found him guilty of two counts of kidnapping but not guilty of blackmail. Co-accused Ryan Rhaburn, defended by Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson, was found not guilty on all counts.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post William “Danny” Mason sentenced to additional 24 years’ imprisonment for kidnapping appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, July 18, 2025. 4:33 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: William Alexander Mason, also known as “Danny” Mason, has been sentenced to two concurrent 24-year
The post William “Danny” Mason sentenced to additional 24 years’ imprisonment for kidnapping appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
