Nolle Pros: Tanga’s Murder Trial Comes to Abrupt End

Nearly four years after gunmen killed Winston Joseph James, known as “Tanga,” and wounded his then-girlfriend, the case against two accused George Street associates has collapsed before reaching trial.

Azzane Domingo and Eustace Lewis walked free from the High Court this morning after the Crown entered a nolle prosequi, formally discontinuing the proceedings. Prosecutors had requested additional time to locate their main witness, Shemaud “Sabe” Nunez, but police could not find him. Marybeth Wade, who survived the January 2022 attack, had also reportedly declined to cooperate with investigators or testify. And while surveillance footage captured portions of the deadly incident, even enhanced images could not clearly identify the gunman. Without witnesses who could place the accused at the scene, the Crown said it could not proceed. The decision does not amount to an acquittal, however, and prosecutors may revive the case if new evidence emerges. James was driving a Nissan Pathfinder near the canal in Belize City when gunfire erupted, causing him to crash into a building. He died at the scene, while Wade survived the attack. Domingo was later charged with murder, attempted murder and related offences, while Lewis faced a charge of abetment to murder. Today’s development brings the prosecution to an abrupt end, at least for now, and leaves Tanga’s killing unresolved.

 

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