Julio Paiz Jr. awaits sentencing for 2021 murder of Hilberto Caliz

Published by [email protected] at August 4, 2024

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Posted: Sunday, August 4, 2024. 6:03 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Julio Paiz Jr., 21, of the San Pedrito Area in San Pedro, is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of the murder of Hilberto Caliz, 35, who was shot and killed on December 11, 2021.

Justice Pilgrim, presiding over the case, found the testimonies of the two crown witnesses to be credible. A female relative of the deceased, testified that she saw Paiz Jr. shoot her husband. In addition a male crown witness testified that he was on the same golf cart as Paiz Jr. when he saw him leave the cart and later return with a gun in hand. Although the male withness did not witness the actual shooting, he testified to hearing gunshots.

The motive for the murder was said to be revenge due to Paiz Jr. losing his job. On the evening of the murder, Paiz Jr. sought revenge by chasing Caliz and firing shots at him. When Caliz fell to the ground, Paiz Jr. was seen standing over him and firing more shots.

Justice Pilgrim has ordered a Social Inquiry Report (SIR), an antecedent history for Paiz Jr., a prison report, a psychiatric report, and a victim impact statement before passing a sentence. The sentencing is set for November 1, 2024.

During the trial, Paiz Jr. was represented by Attorney Emmerita Reyes, while the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was represented by Senior Crown Counsel Sheiniza Smith.

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