Double Murder, Gracie Rock Killing Among New Indictments

It was a busy morning in the High Court as more than eight men were brought down from the Belize Central Prison to face serious charges, murder and attempted murder. Among them, a father and son duo, Tyrone Young Sr. and Jr., along with Aaron Smith, all accused in the 2023 Gracie Rock killing of twenty-six-year-old Denver Denmark Montero. Young Sr. faces an additional charge for the attempted murder of Ryan Kerr, who was injured in the same shooting. All three pleaded not guilty and were sent back to prison until November. Also indicted today, Juan Carlos Novelo for the 2024 murder of Leslie Verde in Caye Caulker, and Robert Arnold for the killing of Cruz Magaña in Burrell Boom. Both pleaded not guilty. The list goes on: Jerdene Jorgenson, accused of murdering David ‘Goofy’ Phillip on John Smith Road; Eric Frazer, charged in the killing of Brindell Munnings; and David Lambey, accused of murdering Ervin Martinez. One of the most shocking cases, Miguelito Encalada, charged with the double murder of his wife and brother in Ladyville. He also pleaded not guilty. The only man out on bail today was Michael Gladden, accused of attempted murder in a 2020 case. All cases have been adjourned for later this year as the justice system prepares for some high-profile trials.