Deadly surprise attack draws 15-year prison sentence

Published by BBN Staff at January 30, 2020

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Posted: Thursday, January 30, 2020. 6:42 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: San Pedro Town resident Gilberto Chanek pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was today handed a sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, though he will serve less due to deductions by Justice Colin Williams.

Chanek stabbed 50-year-old Carlitos Valdez, originally from Benque Viejo del Carmen Town, Cayo District, to death in his apartment on the evening of August 3, 2018.

He never said why, but medical examination turned up an apparent mental disorder as well as substance abuse, supporting the condition of diminished responsibility.

As part of the sentence, Justice Williams cut a third of it for the guilty plea and the time served on remand. He ordered that Chanek continue his psychiatric and drug rehabilitation treatment while in prison.

Before he decided on the sentence, Justice Williams heard two impact assessment statements from family members of Valdez that were read by Crown Counsel Riis Cattouse. Justice Williams also took into consideration the mitigating factors which were that Chanek had no previous conviction and that no reason has been advanced for his action.

Chanek was represented by Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson.

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