Jermaine Rhaburn Awaits Decision in Murder Trial

Twenty-two-year-old Jermaine Rhaburn awaits his fate at the Belize Central Prison, pending a decision by Justice Adolph Lucas in a murder trial which concluded earlier today.  The former Belize Defense Force soldier is charged with the murder of B.D.F. volunteer Clifford Cruz, who was shot and killed at the Militia Hall in Belize City in October 2012.  In Supreme Court, Crown Counsel Sherigne Rodriguez held the belief that it was Rhaburn’s intention to do away with Cruz because he readied his M-Sixteen rifle by cocking it as many as three times before firing the weapon.  Rodriguez then called Felicia Fuller, an eyewitness, to the stand.  She testified that upon entering the room, Cruz had Rhaburn in a choke hold and when the deceased released his grip on Rhaburn that’s when the shooting began.  In court, Rhaburn was represented by attorneys Leeroy Banner and Deshawn Arzu.  Banner told the court that Rhaburn was defending himself against Cruz who choked him until his eyes became red and he was gasping for air.  A decision will be handed down on October twenty-fourth.