Edwardo Oliva charged over Raymond Choco’s fatal accident following community outcry

Photo above of Raymond Choco

By Horace Palacio: After prolonged suspense and uncertainty surrounding the tragic accident of Raymond Choco, Belize police have finally arrested and charged Edwardo Oliva, 30, in connection with the death. This follows an outcry from the community, and a direct plea from the Choco family to BBN over the weekend, drawing attention to the fact that no charges had been filed.

Oliva now faces multiple charges: ‘manslaughter by negligence’, ‘causing death by careless conduct’, and ‘driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention’. He secured bail at $6,000, supported by two sureties of $3,000 each. Oliva is scheduled for another court appearance on December 12, 2023.

The backdrop of this story is a tragic accident that occurred on August 24. Responding to a call, police officers arrived at mile 43 on the Thomas Vincent Highway in the Stann Creek District. They were met with a grievous scene: Raymond Choco, 52, and Hector Hernandez lay injured next to a black Meilun motorcycle.

Preliminary investigations indicated that Oliva, behind the wheel of a Ford Escape, had collided with the motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction. Choco and Hernandez were immediately rushed to the Independence Polyclinic for urgent medical attention. Despite efforts, Choco’s condition deteriorated and he was moved to the KHMH, where he later passed away.

This charge comes as a relief for the Choco family and the community, who were left in the dark for weeks. The spotlight shone brighter on this case when BBN highlighted the concerns of the grieving Choco family, emphasizing the lack of charges against Oliva.

While this is a step towards justice, many in the community still await the outcome of the trial, hoping for a verdict that reflects the severity and gravity of the loss. The hope is that the memory of Raymond Choco is honored and that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

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