7 News Belize

Matura Takes Gun Plea, Family Gets Free
posted (July 28, 2014)
32 year-old Martin Matura, a resident of 3188 Unity Street, is spending his first night of a 5-year prison sentence, after admitting in court that he was carrying an unlicensed weapon.

Police reported that on Saturday, they went to his house, and they were accompanied by the K9 Unit. The dog detected that something was buried in the yard, and when it was dug up, they realized that it was a bag containing a .380 revolver with 3 rounds of ammunition. 49 year-old Margaret Vasquez and her daughter, 21 year-old Kimbery Beltan were present at the time, and so they were charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm, and keeping unlicensed ammunition. Matura went to the station on the following day handed himself in, and told police that the gun was his.

All 3 persons were arraigned today before Senior Magistrate Sharon Frazer, and Matura pleaded guilty to both offences. He was sentenced to 5 years in prison for each charge, but they are to run concurrently, so he will only spend 5 years. The prosecution withdrew the charges against the other 2 defendants, and they were released from custody.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize