Murder Trial of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas Adjourned, Again

Alleged murderers William “Danny” Mason, Ashton Vanegas, Terrence Fernandez, Keiron Fernandez, and Ernest Castillo were back in court this afternoon. The men appeared before Belmopan’s Supreme Court Justice Antoinette Moore as it was expected that the trial relating to the coldhearted beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas would get underway. Initially, the trial was expected to commence on June eighteenth; this is after Mason’s previous attorneys, Herbert Panton and Rachel Montejo, stepped aside almost three months ago. Mason’s current attorney, Dexter Todd, however, was not able to make it on that day. Justice Moore told the five attorneys that she was not feeling well and was not able to proceed as planned. After the brief session, Todd spoke to the media and explained why he did not show up for the previous court date.

Dexter Todd

Dexter Todd, Attorney for William Mason

“The only thing that transpired is that we have had an adjournment. We have had an adjournment so we can further pull a number of things together. The judge was not well and we must appreciate that. I think it is commendable that she came out today, taking into consideration that I came from overseas so we can put certain timelines together. The next available date for us to recommence the matter in the voir dire is the ninth and so it was just to officially that. All counsels are ready. I am ready. The state is ready and I believe we should not have a hiccup in moving forward with the matter on that date.

Reporter

“You weren’t here for the last court session; could you tell us what issues you had?”

Dexter Todd

“There were no issues on the last occasion. I think what had happened is that there has always been communication with my office and what is happening here in Belize. What has transpired is that there was maybe a mixed up of what may transpire on the day taking into consideration that I need to come in from overseas, I am not only practicing in my home country but I practice in other countries but I believe that was the mixed up. But I think it was not too bad because the time worked well for other counsels.”