Julio Paiz Jr. awaits sentencing after conviction for friend’s murder

Published by [email protected] at December 12, 2024

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Posted: Thursday, December 12, 2024. 5:51 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: 21-year-old Julio Paiz Jr., convicted of the murder of his friend, 35-year-old Hilberto Sajid Caliz Jr., will learn his fate on December 18, 2024, as Justice Derick Pilgrim deliberates on an appropriate sentence. Paiz, who was initially charged with the crime at the age of 18, expressed remorse in court on Wednesday, apologizing to the victim’s family and pleading for mercy.

“I express condolences to the family of the late Caliz Jr. There are no words or actions that can replace this young man’s life. I have been convicted of taking his life, and I humbly stand before you for a decision of the court,” Paiz said. He noted his age at the time of the crime, adding that he has since participated in programs that helped him change his life.

Defense attorney Emérita Anderson called for leniency, highlighting Paiz’s youth at the time of the offense. However, the Crown argued that Paiz’s 11 infractions in prison, six of which involved violence, must be weighed as aggravating factors. Justice Pilgrim reserved his decision on whether to impose a life sentence with a minimum term or a fixed sentence.

Caliz Jr. was shot and killed on December 11, 2021, in what the court described as an act of revenge. Witnesses testified that Paiz Jr. sought retaliation after Caliz’s common-law wife caused him to lose his job. On the evening of the murder, Paiz Jr. chased Caliz and fired multiple gunshots, ultimately standing over him and delivering the fatal shots.

Caliz’s common-law wife, testified that she saw Paiz Jr. shoot her husband. Another witness corroborated the sequence of events, stating he saw Paiz Jr. return to a golf cart with a gun after hearing gunshots.

Paiz Jr. faces a potential life sentence for his crime. Justice Pilgrim’s decision will consider both mitigating factors, such as Paiz’s youth, and aggravating factors, including his violent record while on remand. The December 18 sentencing will bring closure to the case nearly three years after the tragic murder.

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