The sentencing hearing for William "Danny" Mason, and his 4 co-defendants who were convicted of the most heinous murder in Belize's recent history, has now been postponed for a second time. The Court staff for the presiding judge, Justice Antoinette, has informed the defense attorneys that it will take place next week instead.
In December of last year, Justice Moore found Mason, and his employees: Ashton Vanegas, Keiron Fernandez, Terrence Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo, all guilty of the 2016 beheading murder of Pastor Lewellyn Lucas.
When they were escorted last Thursday to the court under heavy guard from the Gang Suppression Unit, Justice Moore informed them and their defense attorneys that the hearing had to be postponed. At this time, it is unclear what caused the need for the adjournment, but we are informed that, among other issues, the judge's tenure to serve on the judiciary had come to an end. In order for her to retain her position on the bench, the Government needed to renew her contract, which was not done in time for last Thursday's hearing.
This evening, we spoke with Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte via telephone, and he told us that Justice Moore's contract has since been finalized.
If and when next week's sentencing hearing takes place, the judge will preside over a hearing where the prosecution will present an impact statement from the love-ones of the deceased, Pastor Lucas. After hearing the views of DPP Cheryl-Lynn Vidal as lead prosecutor, each of the 5 defendants may call character witnesses, and their attorneys will be allowed to present mitigating factors on their behalf.
After that part of the procedure is concluded, the final decision will be in the hands of Justice Moore about what sentence will be passed on all 5.
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