Manuel Hill back in court for Abetment to murder

Manuel HILL

In the Belmopan Supreme Court, arguments concluded today in the case of against interdicted police constable, thirty-six year old Manuel Hill for Abetment to Murder. Hill, who was stationed at the police formation in the Capital, was charged in 2009 and is accused of being involved in the murder of Taiwanese National, Hui Lin Chen in Orange Walk. The murder is believed to have been a hit and allegations are that Hill recommended the hit man on March fourteenth, 2009. Hill, who is represented by Attorney Simeon Sampson, testified today, denying that he had any involvement in the crime. He also told the court that he gave a statement because he was promised that he would only be used as a crown witness. On Friday both the prosecution and defense will address the jurors and a verdict is expected sometime next week. The case began last Wednesday before Justice Troadio Gonzalez. On the night of his murder, Chen was about to close Mai’s Ice Cream Parlor when at around nine-thirty a man wearing a dread cap grabbed him and during the struggle that ensued, the businessman’s throat was slashed. Kevin “Cowboy” Alvarez, an ex-cop was later charged for the murder and he is currently remanded, awaiting trial. When he was detained, Alvarez shot three police officers in an attempt to escape.