Prosecution Seeks Life Sentence for Convicted Murderer Krismar Espinosa

The prosecution is asking for a life sentence for Krismar Espinosa, who was convicted of murdering Wilbert Lionel Banks Junior, known as “Yellow.” Justice Nigel Pilgrim heard mitigation submissions and emotional victim impact statements today, before setting sentencing for October 13.  Prosecutor Maria Nembhard-Santana argued that a fixed prison term would not be appropriate, citing the planned nature of the killing and Espinosa’s previous manslaughter conviction. The court heard that he was released in July 2023 after serving sixteen years, less than a year before Banks was murdered.  The prosecution said Banks was shot seven times and that Espinosa had threatened to kill him months before the attack. It is not seeking the death penalty.  Espinosa called no character witnesses and offered no further remarks. Through his attorney, he maintained his innocence and relied on the social inquiry report prepared for the court.  Banks’s employer, Andrew Ordonez, his father and his fourteen-year-old daughter described the lasting impact of his death. Ordonez remembered him as a quiet, hardworking employee and an enthusiastic cyclist. His father spoke of the pain of losing both his sons, while his daughter described missing the everyday moments they shared and having to graduate without him there.  Banks was killed on April 5, 2024, in the Lake Gardens area. During the trial, Espinosa’s former girlfriend testified that he threatened to kill her and her son unless she brought Banks to him. Justice Pilgrim found her evidence credible and convicted Espinosa on July 31 this year.  Espinosa remains at the Belize Central Prison awaiting sentence.