Lead Investigator Comment on Conviction of Danny Mason et al

Following today’s awards ceremony, Sergeant Holly Vasquez, who was the lead investigator in the murder of Pastor Llewellyn Lucas, was asked about his reaction to the ruling handed down by Justice Antoinette Moore.  Vasquez says that at times he was on edge, but had support from the Lucas and Usher families, as well as ComPol Chester Williams, and the Director of Public Prosecution. He recounts how emotional he became at word of the guilty verdict.

Holly Vasquez

Sgt. Holly Vasquez, Lead Investigator

“It was a shocker for me because I knew we laid down the foundation for all the elements of murder which is what the prosecution is there to prove, but there were some discrepancies because I know the defense tried to suggest to the judge that the DNA and handling of the exhibits and so forth was not the proper way. So when the judge gave her decision and ruling on it and said we did a professional job and commended us for it, it was a shocker for me. I broke down in tears. I didn’t know how to compose myself. It was a shocker for me and I am just glad Belize got justice in this case.  At the primary stage of the investigation, I felt nervous going into the investigation because you never know what could happen—an investigator might make mistake and so forth. But I saw all the comments and I put that positive because the Lucas and Usher family was there for me; they prayed for me every other day they would come to work and pray for me. Defense attorneys like they rightly pointed out is to point to the judge that my testimony is a lie although I am the investigator and I know what I did on the ground so why would I go to the court and lie. And Madam D.P.P. guided me and said, Holly just go to the court, say the truth, what you did; God will not take that away, the judge cannot take that away—they will listen to you.”

Chester Williams

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I was intimately involved with the investigation. I provided some guidance to him with the assistance of Mister Jones and the D.P.P. was always there when we came across something that we could not provide that advice. She was always there to ensure that we get the advice that we need to do the right things. And it was as a result of her guidance along with us that we were able to put together the proper investigative file and ensure that the matter was successfully prosecuted.”