Leon Walford receives 48-year sentence for murder of U.S. citizen Lamont Edward Lipka

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Thirty-eight-year-old Leon Walford has been handed a 48-year prison sentence for the brutal, execution-style killing of American national Lamont Edward Lipka in May 2018. The fatal attack took place in San Pedro, as Walford and his accomplice, Tracey Betancourt, entered the Tropicana Restaurant and Bar and shot Lipka multiple times.

Though Betancourt remains at large, Walford was found guilty in July 2022 and sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the murder. Justice Ricardo O’Neil Sandcroft issued the sentence earlier today, following heartfelt testimonies from Lipka’s family.

Considering the four years and nine months Walford has already spent in custody, he will serve the remaining 42 years and three months in prison before becoming eligible for parole. Meanwhile, Betancourt, who was previously released on $50,000 bail for murder, is still being sought by authorities after a bench warrant was issued for her arrest.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2023, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.