Arthur Hill Convicted of Murdering Brother-in-Law in Biscayne Village

Arthur Hill, also known as “Turo,” has been convicted of the January 2024 murder of his brother-in-law, Levan Aldana, following a trial in the High Court.  Justice Candace Nanton handed down the guilty verdict today, finding that the prosecution had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Hill murdered the 20-year-old Aldana in Biscayne Village on January 31, 2024. A key piece of evidence in the prosecution’s case was Aldana’s dying declaration identifying Hill as the person who stabbed him. According to evidence presented at trial, the gravely injured Aldana told police, “Dah Arthur Hill do it,” and also referred to his attacker as “Bra Lee Arthur Hill.” Two police officers testified about statements made by Aldana before his death.  Aldana had been stabbed three times, twice to the neck and once to the abdomen. His abdominal injuries were so severe that his intestines were protruding when he was found. He died while being transported for medical treatment and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.  Doctor Roque Blanco testified that the fatal injury was the stab wound to Aldana’s abdomen, which caused extensive internal bleeding. The court heard that the wounds were inflicted with a sharp, flat object consistent with a knife.  The prosecution’s case, led by Senior Crown Counsel Robert Lord along with Crown Counsel Joseph Perez, also relied heavily on circumstantial evidence surrounding Hill’s movements on the night of the murder.  One witness testified that at approximately 10:18 p.m., Aldana and Hill were seen together in the village.

Hill was reportedly wearing a white T-shirt at the time and appeared to have been drinking. The two men later left the area together.  Another witness testified that at around 11:05 p.m., Hill arrived at his home shirtless, barefoot, sweating and behaving in an agitated manner. Hill reportedly asked to make an emergency phone call and later requested clothing. The court also heard evidence that Hill later identified himself to police, with an officer observing what appeared to be blood on his elbow. No DNA evidence was presented to establish whose blood it was.  In delivering her decision, Justice Nanton considered the dying declaration alongside the other strands of circumstantial evidence, including Hill being seen with Aldana shortly before the stabbing, his subsequent change of clothing and his appearance shortly after the incident.  The judge also considered the nature and location of Aldana’s injuries in determining intent. The court found that the force used and the wounds inflicted to vital areas of the body supported the conclusion that there was an intention to kill. No evidence was presented establishing that Hill had been provoked by Aldana. 

No motive for the killing was established during the trial. Hill and Aldana were considered brothers-in-law because they were in relationships with two sisters and lived in the same household in Biscayne Village.  Hill, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, was represented by attorney Norman Rodriguez. The defence argued that the prosecution had failed to prove that Hill was the person who stabbed Aldana. Rodriguez also made a no-case submission at the close of the prosecution’s case, but Justice Nanton ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Hill to answer to the murder charge.  A voir dire was also held during the trial to determine whether Aldana’s dying declaration could be admitted into evidence. Justice Nanton ultimately ruled that the statement was admissible.  Hill’s trial began on May 14 and concluded on May 22, 2026.  Sentencing has been deferred until September 18. Justice Nanton has ordered several reports and submissions ahead of the sentencing hearing, including a psychiatric report, social inquiry report, antecedent report and victim impact statement. The prosecution and defence are also expected to make sentencing submissions, while Hill will have an opportunity to present mitigation and character witnesses.