Elisha Buller ordered to pay $12,000 to uncle after threatening to kill family, blackmail them

Published by [email protected] at July 5, 2025

Posted: Saturday, July 5, 2025. 10:58 am CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Twenty-year-old Elisha Buller has avoided a custodial sentence for blackmail, but only after agreeing to pay $12,000 in compensation to his uncle and issuing a public apology in court. The sentence comes nearly one year after Buller threatened to kill his uncle, his wife, and their daughter if he wasn’t paid $2,000 for items allegedly seized by police.

In an appearance before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, Buller, who turns 21 in three weeks, accepted a plea agreement negotiated between his attorney, Sherigne Rodriguez, his uncle, and Crown Counsel Porsha Staine Ferguson of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

As part of the deal, Buller must pay the $12,000 compensation in weekly installments of $50 and must have no interaction whatsoever with his uncle or his family. In open court, Buller also read an apology letter:

“My name is Elisha Buller and I would like to state that I acknowledge the wrong I have committed to [my uncle] and the distress that I have caused him due to my actions. I sincerely apologize to him, his wife and our family. I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.”

The incident occurred on July 7, 2023, at the uncle’s residence in Belize City. The uncle and his wife reported to police that Buller appeared at their home after officers had conducted a search, allegedly instigated by Buller’s belief that his uncle had reported him.

According to court records, Buller raised his hand to mimic a firearm and pointed it at the wife before issuing a chilling threat:

“You, your wife, and daughter will die if you don’t give me $2,000 by Sunday.”

The family contacted police immediately, but Buller evaded capture that night. He later repeated the threat the following day, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt. Days later, he was arrested and charged with blackmail.

Despite the seriousness of the offense, the court considered the family connection and the fact that the victim agreed to a non-custodial resolution. Justice Pilgrim emphasized that the agreement served the interests of justice on both sides.

Buller’s compliance with the terms of the plea agreement—including the no-contact order and payment plan—will be closely monitored.

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