Four Accused Murderers Return to Court as Case Management Hearings Continue

Four men charged in connection with separate murder cases across the country appeared in the High Court today for their Case Management Conferences (CMCs). However, all matters were adjourned and are now scheduled to return before Justice Candace Nanton on January 27, 2026, for further case management. Among the accused is 39-year-old Ladyville barber Miguel “Miguelito” Encalada, who is facing charges for a double murder. Encalada is accused of fatally shooting his brother, 25-year-old George Vincent Rochester, and his wife, Desiree Elizabeth Gonzalez, on April 20, 2023, on Scissors Tail Street in Ladyville.  Also before the court was 35-year-old construction worker Jeffery Pott, charged with the murder of 50-year-old Dion Martin Bodden, a former Kelly Street Crips affiliate. Bodden was shot and killed in Pitts Alley, Belize City, on June 22, 2024. Both Encalada and Pott are represented by attorney Hurl Hamilton.  A third accused, Juan Novelo, remains on remand at the Belize Central Prison. He is charged with the murder of 32-year-old Leslie Verde, who was found dead inside her Caye Caulker home on November 4, 2023.  The final accused is 18-year-old David Lambey, charged with the murder of 28-year-old Irvin Martinez. Martinez was fatally stabbed during an altercation near Mahogany Bay Resort on San Pedro on December 15, 2023. Martinez had been walking with his common-law wife when he became involved in a confrontation with Lambey and three others. Both Lambey and Novelo are represented by attorney Leeroy Banner.  The four men are scheduled to return to the High Court before Justice Nigel Pilgrim on January 27, 2026, where the second phase of their CMCs will continue before trial dates can be finalized.