Justice Nigel Pilgrim has reserved judgement until July 31 in the murder trial of 36-year-old Krismar Espinosa, who is accused of orchestrating the 2021 killing of Belize City bicycle technician Wilbert Banks.
The decision came after the court heard testimony from key prosecution witnesses, including Banks’ former girlfriend, as well as evidence from Espinosa, who took the stand in his own defence.
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on the testimony of Banks’ former girlfriend, who was permitted to testify via video link after informing the court that she feared for her safety. She told the court that Espinosa, who was her boyfriend at the time, threatened to kill her and her young son unless she lured Banks to the Lake Garden area.
According to her testimony, she contacted Banks, who agreed to give her a ride to Ladyville. She said that when they arrived in the Lake Garden area, Espinosa emerged and opened fire on the vehicle. Although Banks managed to drive away from the scene, he later crashed. A post-mortem examination determined that he died from seven gunshot wounds.
Investigators linked Espinosa to the killing after recovering the woman’s cellphone near the crime scene. Police subsequently tracked the device to the couple’s residence in Lords Bank. While the woman cooperated with investigators and was not charged, Espinosa was later arrested and charged with Banks’ murder.
Testifying in his own defence, Espinosa denied any involvement in the shooting. He told the court he was at home at the time of the incident.
Following closing submissions from both the prosecution and the defence, Justice Pilgrim adjourned the matter. A verdict is expected to be delivered on July 31.
