Four Years Later, Two Men Still Await Sentencing for Officer’s Killing

Two men who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the killing of Police Constable Osburne Martinez are still waiting to be sentenced, four years after entering their pleas.  Tyrique Myles and Glenford Lopez appeared before Justice Nigel Pilgrim yesterday, but their sentencing was adjourned again because the required documents had not been filed with the court.  At the previous hearing, the agreed facts of the case could not be located. Both sides have since agreed on those facts, but the court still requires the formal filing of that document and the plea agreement. Justice Pilgrim gave the parties until today, October 9, to submit the paperwork. The matter is now set for October 27 as both men remain behind bars.  Myles and Lopez were initially charged with murder alongside Rayford Mejia. In 2022, they voluntarily pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Mejia pleaded not guilty, went to trial and was found guilty of murder.  The case stems from an armed robbery at the Belcove Hotel in downtown Belize City in November 2018. Constable Martinez was shot and killed while responding to the robbery. Police caught the three men as they attempted to escape and hide in the Haulover Creek, where two loaded firearms were recovered.  Attorney Norman Rodriguez represented Myles and Lopez at yesterday’s hearing.