Bou-Nahra is a no show in court; claims illness

A Belize City businessman who shot a would be burglar to death over a year ago has failed to show up in court. Thirty-nine year old Ben Bou-Nahra had been charged with manslaughter in the September seventeenth, 2005 killing of Shawn Copius at Bou-Nahra’s Belize City home. Today that charge was supposed to be upped to murder, a decision made by the former Director of Public Prosecutions, Kirk Anderson. Appearing on behalf of Bou-Nahra was attorney Ellis Arnold who explained to Justice Troadio Gonzalez that his client was ill and receiving care in Florida. Arnold produced a copy of a medical certificate which alleged that Bou-Nahra keeps “passing out” and is therefore unable to travel. He requested and was granted an adjournment until February fifth, promising to ensure the defendant’s presence in Belize if his health improves. As for the matter of the ten thousand dollar bail, Justice Gonzalez ordered the person who posted it to appear on Friday to explain why the money should not be confiscated. The death of Copius, a well known criminal, has been shrouded in controversy, with the police initially appearing reluctant to lodge any charges against the businessman, who claimed to be acting in self defence. Physical evidence at the scene has cast doubt on Bou-Nahra’s account and prompted the filing of both the original and new charge.