7 News Belize

Ruben Released; Confession Statement Struck Out
posted (May 10, 2016)
Twenty-three year old Ruben Price is a free man tonight, after being acquitted of the murder of Steven Perez in a trial without jury.

It happened in June of 2011, when Perez was shot and killed at the corner of Dolphin and Iguana Streets. Police picked up Price shortly after on a nearby street - they say he tried to get away.

But, there were no eye witnesses to the shooting and the case for the prosecution depended on a confession statement that Price gave to the police.

But, in court he said he was tasered and beaten by the police to give the statement. The prosecution called 8 witnesses to prove that the statement was given voluntarily. But, defence witness, Dr. Raul Ordonez, testified that when he examined Price he found that there were abrasions to his chest, neck, abdomen, both arms and knees.

With that, Price's attorney, Simeon Sampson, submitted that Price does not have a case to answer. In his ruling Justice Gonzalez said that he had doubts that the statement was obtained voluntarily and he upheld the no case submission and gave a formal verdict of not guilty of murder.

The Crown was represented by Crown Counsels Killeru Awich and Rene Montero Jr.





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

7 News Belize