Murder Trial Delayed After Attorney Withdraws From Krismar Espinosa Case

The murder trial of Krismar Marvin Espinosa was unexpectedly delayed yesterday in the High Court after his attorney withdrew from the case, leaving the accused man without legal representation just as the matter was set to begin before Justice Candace Nanton. Espinosa is accused of the April 5, 2024 murder of thirty-eight-year-old Wilbert Banks Junior, who was gunned down in the Lake Garden area of Ladyville. The trial had been scheduled to commence yesterday morning, with Attorney Doctor Lynden Jones appearing on behalf of Espinosa, while Crown Counsel Maria Santana Nembhard appeared for the prosecution.  However, before the matter could proceed, Doctor Jones informed the court that he was seeking permission to recuse himself from the case after discussions with his client reportedly resulted in conflicting instructions. Speaking briefly following the adjournment, Doctor Jones explained that he could no longer properly represent the accused.  The attorney noted, quote, “I made an application to be removed from the case and it was granted by the court.”  Inside the courtroom, Jones further explained that he had received “limited and conflicting instructions” from Espinosa and would therefore be unable to adequately continue as his attorney. While the prosecution indicated it was ready to proceed with trial, there was no objection to the application for withdrawal.  As a result, the matter was stood down and adjourned to May 25, during which time Espinosa is expected to secure new legal representation.  Espinosa has been on remand at the Belize Central Prison since his arraignment on April 8, 2024, meaning he has now spent just over two years behind bars awaiting trial.  Police say the murder occurred on the night of Friday, April 5, 2024, at around eleven-thirty p.m. in the Lake Garden area along the Old Northern Highway. Investigators reported that Wilbert Banks Junior was driving a black and grey Toyota Rav Four when gunfire erupted. Authorities believe Banks was ambushed while travelling along Lake Garden Road toward the Philip Goldson Highway.  Police later discovered the vehicle crashed into a bungalow house with multiple bullet holes visible on the SUV. Banks was found slumped behind the steering wheel suffering from gunshot injuries. Investigators recovered nine expended nine-millimeter shells and a cellular phone from the scene. Banks was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.