Attempted Murder Charge Questioned as Teen Walks Free

A fourth-form student from western Belize is breathing a sigh of relief tonight, he’s out on bail after being charged with attempted murder. The nineteen-year-old was accused of stabbing Gavin Armstrong during Garifuna Settlement Day celebrations in Dangriga on November nineteenth. Today, Justice Candace Nanton granted him bail, six thousand dollars plus two sureties, after hearing arguments from attorney Orson ‘OJ’ Elrington. Justice Nanton did so because the case raised serious questions. The victim himself, in a sworn affidavit, told the court he doesn’t know who attacked him, and even stated that the accused is not the person who stabbed him. Elrington argued that police failed to take a follow-up statement, despite the victim making three attempts. In fact, the victim asked for the charges to be dropped, saying the young man is innocent. The Director of Public Prosecutions had no objection to bail, but there are strict conditions: the student must report to San Ignacio Police every Saturday, live with his father, attend all court dates, and avoid any contact with the victim or witnesses. He also can’t leave the country without permission from a judge. So, if the victim says the accused isn’t the attacker, where does the investigation go from here?