The Wait Continues for Statement from Mason’s Final Witness

The case against William “Danny” Mason and four accused men continues to languish in the Belmopan Supreme Court.  A statement from a witness, a U.S. Embassy employee, for Mason has not yet been secured because Tim Reid is no longer in Belize and arranging his testimony has met hurdles.  Mason and accomplices are accused with the grizzly beheading of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas in 2017.  Today, Bryan Neal, attorney for Keiron Fernandez, indicated that they are prepared to close arguments without the statement from Reid. Here is Dalila Ical with a report. 

Dalila Ical, Reporting

The court has still not received a statement from William “Danny” Mason’s final witness, Tim Reid. The US Embassy responded to the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Wednesday of this week but it could take another week to ten days before that statement is received.

When the trial hearing resumed today, the defense informed Justice Antoinette Moore that if that statement was not in by Friday, they were prepared to close. Since it is Mason’s witness, Justice Moore asked if he was in agreement. Even though Mason stated he was prepared for the trial to close without Reid’s statement, Justice Moore was hesitant to proceed.

Bryan Neal

Bryan Neal, Attorney for Kieron Fernandez

“The witness is a witness who worked at the American embassy and is no longer in Belize. So, there was an exchange, what i understand from what the judge said, there was an exchange of diplomatic notes between Belize and the Unites States of America and they are close to finalizing the recording of a statement to determine if they want the witness to come or testify via Skype. The judge is saying that she prefers, having waited for three weeks to get this witness and get this statement that we should wait another week to see if the statement materializes  and then determine if we close the case after that witness.”

Reporter

“Sir we noticed that you were of a different view. Explain to us why.”

Bryan Neal

“Well, my concern is I am looking at the constitutionality of a fair trial in this matter. This matter started with a previous attorney. Five attorneys were brought on board. A sixth was brought on board. Months have passed, so that my concern now as a defense attorney is the time that it is taking and whether we can say that there is a fair trial here. So, I am of the view that the quicker we close this case, the fairer it will be to the defendants.”

After the matter was agreed upon, Justice Moore continued with the issues conference. Attorney Bryan Neal, who represents Kieron Fernandez raised a number of points he considers important in his client’s case.

Llewellyn Lucas

Bryan Neal

“Some of the issues I raised is whether there is any joint enterprise between my client and the other four accused. I don’t see it. Whether the DNA evidence is sufficient and the circumstantial evidence is sufficient to convict him beyond a reasonable doubt, I don’t see it and whether his presence at the farm outside of what the witnesses have said makes him guilty, I don’t see that and lastly, there was one finally issue but those are the main issues. Oh! Whether the poor pastor even died at that farm, making that farm a crime scene. That is a very relevant issue as far as I am concerned. We don’t know where he died.”

And while the case has indeed seen numerous delays, it was once more adjourned to October tenth.  Reporting for News Five, I am Dalila Ical.