7 News Belize

Senator Stays Low In Manslaughter Trial
posted (July 5, 2016)
38 year-old Elario Eligio, who was charged with manslaughter for the death of his drinking buddy, John Myers walked free today after he was acquitted.

Eligio was accused of punching Myers in the face, which caused the 52 year old to fall to the ground. He hit the back of his head, and the force of the impact killed him.

Well, after waiting for his trial for 4 years, Elijio was prosecuted by Crown Counsel Kileru Awich. The prosecutor tried to prove that that on February 27, 2012, Elijio caused the death of John Myers. The main prosecution witness took the stand and refused to cooperate.

That happens every day, but that main witness was Senator Ashley Rocke, and in the immediate aftermath of the incident, Senator Rocke gave police a written statement that he saw the entire thing through his church office window. But, when he was to provide those details to the court today, he didn't cooperate.

Instead, he took the stand and recanted his written statement to police. The prosecutor even tried to get that important evidence by treating him as a hostile witness, but it was to no avail.

The crown counsel was then forced to close his case. So, with no incriminating evidence against him, Eligio's attorney, Alifa Elrington, made a submission to the court that he has no case to answer.

After consideration, Justice Troadio Gonzalez agreed, and he directed the jury to find Elijio not guilty. Eligio exited court a free man.

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

7 News Belize