Two Officers Sentenced to Prison for Perverting Justice in Escobar Killing

Two law enforcement officers, one from the Belize Defence Force and one from the Belize Police Department, were today sentenced to prison after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice in connection with the 2021 shooting death of BDF soldier Jesse Escobar in Santa Familia Village, Cayo District.  Footage captured this morning showed BDF soldier Elcorin Alcoser and Police Constable Juan Morales exiting the prison bus under heavy escort as they arrived at the Belize Central Prison to begin serving their sentences. Alcoser was sentenced to 1 year and 2 months, while Morales received 1 year and 11 months, both sentences taking effect today, Friday, December 12.  During mitigation, attorneys for the men pleaded for non-custodial sentences, arguing that both officers had served the state and had no previous convictions. The court, however, ruled that the seriousness of the offense, and its impact on public trust in law enforcement, warranted imprisonment.  Both men maintained their innocence. Morales, who has reportedly struggled with suicidal thoughts since the incident, broke down in tears as he addressed the court. In an emotional plea, he said he had recently obtained documents showing that “an officer in the case lied”; evidence he acknowledged would not change today’s ruling but insisted needed to be heard.  Following sentencing, Morales’ attorney, Ellis Arnold, confirmed that the defense intends to appeal the conviction.  The case stems from the September 5, 2021, fatal shooting of BDF soldier Jesse Escobar, which occurred around 7:00 p.m. in Santa Familia Village. Investigators later determined that Alcoser and Morales had lied and omitted key details in their official statements regarding the events of that night, actions the court deemed deliberate attempts to obstruct justice.