High Court Reserves Verdict in San Pedro Murder Trial

Justice Candace Nanton has reserved her decision in the murder and attempted-murder trial of five San Pedro men accused of carrying out a deadly attack at sea nearly five years ago. The five defendants are Gabriel Villafranco, 39; Carlos Salazar, 35; Delsin Paguada, 27; and brothers Sergio Tun, 41, and Pedro Tun, 27. They are jointly charged with the murder of Jerry Espat and three counts of attempted murder arising from an alleged attack on Espat and his three brothers on October 2, 2021.  The trial, which began before Justice Nanton in December 2025, reached the close of the defence case yesterday. Four of the accused remain free on bail pending the verdict, while the fifth is reportedly on remand.  The court has established a timetable for written closing submissions. Attorneys for defendants one and three must submit their arguments by August 17, after which the prosecution has until August 31 to respond. For defendants two, four and five, the prosecution must file its submissions by August 17, with the defence given until August 31 to reply.  Justice Nanton is scheduled to deliver her verdict at 1 p.m. on September 18 in the High Court.  The prosecution alleges that Espat and his three brothers were fishing and diving for conch near Cangrejo Caye, approximately 20 minutes from San Pedro, when they came under attack from men travelling in two boats.  According to the Crown’s case, two of the brothers were near their boat when a red-and-white vessel approached from behind. The occupants were allegedly identified as Paguada and the Tun brothers. Paguada is accused of producing a firearm and opening fire while allegedly making a threatening remark.  One of the brothers reportedly managed to climb into the fishing boat, while another man aboard was shot in the foot. The brothers then sped towards San Pedro as their attackers allegedly pursued them and continued firing.  Two other brothers remained in the water and allegedly encountered a second boat carrying another group of men. The prosecution alleges that shots were fired from that vessel, striking Jerry Espat several times. Another brother reportedly escaped being shot by diving beneath the water.  That brother alleged that Villafranco and Carlos Salazar later attempted to pull him into their boat and attacked him with a machete as he resisted. The confrontation reportedly lasted several minutes and ended when another person approached the fishing area, prompting the attackers to leave.  Jerry Espat died following the shooting, and his body was recovered the next morning. One of his brothers, who survived the initial attack, died approximately six months later. His death was reportedly linked to complications after inhaling water during the ordeal. However, the five defendants are being tried for one count of murder relating to Jerry’s death and three counts of attempted murder involving his brothers.  Before his death, the second brother gave police a statement describing the attack. Justice Nanton allowed that statement to be admitted into evidence during the trial. Prosecutors contend that it supports the accounts given by the two surviving brothers.  Villafranco is represented by attorney Marcel Cardona, while Dr. Lyndon Jones represents Salazar. Oscar Selgado represents Paguada, and attorney Leeroy Banner represents Sergio and Pedro Tun.  The court ruling is expected on September 18.