Murder Case Delayed Again as Key Evidence Remains Outstanding

Nearly ten months after businessman and tour guide Sydney Lewis Peyrefitte was charged with the murder of Kenneth “Big Tom” Flowers, the court is still awaiting two key pieces of evidence before a date can be set for a preliminary inquiry.  Peyrefitte, who remains on remand, appeared unrepresented before the Chief Magistrate yesterday. The police prosecutor requested another adjournment, explaining that the prosecution has not yet disclosed CCTV footage reportedly connected to the shooting or the forensic report on the firearm allegedly used in the crime.  The court was told that the case file had been returned to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Instructions were reportedly given for the matter to proceed to a preliminary inquiry once the outstanding evidence is prepared and disclosed to Peyrefitte.  According to the prosecutor, the forensic officer who had been handling the report is no longer in Belize, and another officer has since been assigned to complete the work.  The Chief Magistrate expressed concern about the delay, noting that Peyrefitte received only partial disclosure in June and that the case has been before the court for almost a year. She stressed that the outstanding items could be important to both the prosecution and the defence.  The court indicated that if the evidence is not ready by the next hearing, the officer responsible for completing the work may be summoned to explain the delay.  Peyrefitte was first arraigned on October 8, 2025, in connection with the shooting death of Flowers. The allegation against him has not been tested at trial, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.  The case was adjourned until September 4 when the court is expected to review the status of disclosure and determine whether a date can be set for the preliminary inquiry.