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Last night, we told you about the latest in the trial without jury of 57-year-old Manuel Pacheco. He’s the well-known Belize City jeweler who was charged with murder for the shooting death of his neighbor, 50-year-old Jose Villanueva.

Senior Crown Counsel Shanice Lovell closed her case yesterday, and she has led evidence in the trial that on June 14th, 2018, Pacheco shot and killed Villanueva, because of a dispute about a dog.

Well, today, Pacheco and his attorney, Senior Counsel Ellis Arnold, presented his defense. He chose not to take the stand to give testimony under oath. He decided instead to give a statement from the dock. He told the court that on the evening in question, Villanueva’s dog was barking, and it had been barking for 3 days straight. Pacheco said that the dog’s barking was affecting him and his customers. According to Villanueva, he went to speak with Villanueva in kind enough manner, and asked Villanueva if he could move the dog, or at least give the dog some water. 

According to Pacheco, Villanueva became verbally abusive, and he started to shout curse words. Pacheco alleged that Villanueva went near his step, took out his firearm, cranked it, and threatened him. Villanueva allegedly said that he would put Pacheco down in the manner that he would put down the dog. Pacheco told the court that he was afraid of Villanueva, and so, went into his drawer, and removed his own firearm. He said that he shot Villanueva in self-defense because Villanueva tried to pull his weapon on him.

In the trial, video footage obtained from cameras at Villanueva’s garage was admitted into evidence. The footage showed Villanueva clutching his side, and as if attempting to draw his firearm from its holster. That gun, which was still in its holster, was found at Villanueva’s feet.

After the defense closed their case, Justice Williams announced that he will return with a verdict on February 28th. The judge will decide on Pacheco’s guilt or innocence for the crime of murder, and the alternative charge of manslaughter.