Juan Carlos Novelo Acquitted in 2023 Killing of Leslie Margarita Verde

Juan Carlos Novelo has been acquitted of the November 2023 murder of his common-law wife, Leslie Margarita Verde.  Justice Candace Nanton handed down the not-guilty verdict this afternoon following a trial in the High Court. The judge announced the verdict without providing detailed reasons, indicating that those will be presented in a written decision at a later date.  Verde was found motionless inside her home in the Bahia area of Caye Caulker during the early hours of November 4, 2023. She was taken to the Caye Caulker Health Clinic, where she was pronounced dead.  A post-mortem examination conducted by Dr. Roque Blanco determined that Verde died from asphyxia caused by compression of the neck. Dr. Blanco testified that the injuries were not self-inflicted or accidental and classified the death as a homicide.  The prosecution’s evidence included surveillance footage showing Novelo entering and leaving Verde’s home during the hours surrounding her death. Verde’s daughter, who was thirteen years old at the time, also testified that she awoke and saw Novelo shaking her mother’s motionless body. However, there was no eyewitness who testified to seeing Novelo inflict the fatal injuries.  Defence attorney Leeroy Banner maintained that his client did not kill Verde and argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to establish Novelo’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  After being released, Novelo maintained his innocence and expressed relief at the outcome. He also told Verde’s family that he did not commit the crime.  The Crown’s case was prosecuted with testimony from several witnesses, including investigating officer Sergeant Manuel Mai and Dr. Blanco. Justice Nanton’s written reasons for the acquittal are expected to provide further details on how the evidence was assessed.