Last night, we told you about how the 8 lawmen from the Belize Special Assignment Group were freed of murder and attempted murder charges for the killing of Orange Resident Ariel Salazar, and the assault on Oscar Payes. These 8, seven BDF soldiers, and 1 police officer, got off without having to face a criminal trial because police were not ready with the case file yesterday, when the Magistrate called for a preliminary inquiry to be held.
As we told you, the officers 21 year-old Bladimir Escaraga, 23 year-old Francis Sho, 31 year-old Patrick Villagran Sr., 26 year-old Edmar Petillo, 26 year-old Patrick Diego, 28 year-old Mateo Bolon 33 year-old Elvis Cobb, and 29 year-old Lennart Cajun were all accused of having a hand in the the very bizarre incident at Salazar’s and Payes’ home in Orange Walk. These law men allegedly barged into their house, and they beat Salazar so badly that he died from the injuries he suffered, all in a dispute over a cellular phone.
Yesterday was supposed to be a hearing in front of the Magistrate for preliminary inquiry.
That PI couldn’t take place because the police case file was not ready, and instead of granting an adjournment, the magistrate threw out the charges against them, setting them free.
Today we asked Elodio Aragon, the Minister of State with responsibility for police about the abrupt end to the case, and he said that he does not agree with it. He also added that the 8 lawmen are expected to be re-arrested as soon as possible.
Reporter
"What happened in this case, did the DPP drop the ball in this case?"
Hon. Elodio Aragon - Minister of State, National Security
"I don't think so I think the magistrate that was there made that decision to withdraw the case because they were saying the case file was not ready but that is why today I spoke about the judiciary. We must improve upon what is happening in the judiciary - I mean we have cases that are out there for 7, 8 years that have been adjourned, adjourned and yet this case doesn't even have 6 months and it has been withdrawn. These are the kind of disparities that I would like to see improved upon within our judiciary but one thing I will tell you, from what I have gotten to understand the police department will bring back these charges and I think that should be done before the day is out today, if not by tomorrow."
As soon as the 8 BSAG members are re-arrested, we’ll tell you all about it.
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