Danny Mason Seeks C.C.J. Intervention to Overturn Murder Conviction

It is arguably the most sensational case in Belize’s judicial history – the murder trial and conviction of businessman, Danny Mason and four others. Mason, along with Ernest Castillo, Ashton Vanegas, and brothers Keiron and Terrence Fernandez were convicted in 2019 of the 2016 murder of Dangriga Pastor, Llewelyn Lucas. The high-profile case saw several witnesses take the stand for the prosecution in a trial presided over by Justice Antoinette Moore. Pastor Lucas’ burnt remains were discovered on Mason’s ranch, located off the George Price Highway a few miles from his Belmopan home. His head was found in a bucket in a vehicle that Mason and his co-defendants were occupying. At the end of the trial, the five men were handed down life sentences with the possibility for parole after they have each served thirty-five years behind bars, less the time they spent on remand. Mason appealed the conviction at the High Court, and it was turned down. Now, through his attorney, Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington, he is attempting to seek the intervention of the Caribbean Court of Justice. Late this evening, Elrington explained the process of that appeal.

 

Hubert Elrington, Attorney for William “Danny” Mason

“On the 11th of July, the Court of Appeal turned down his appeal for murder conviction and so we are now going to make the final attempt to get the conviction set aside at the C.C.J.”

 

Reporter

“So what does this mean now?”

 

Hubert Elrington

“It means we have to apply to the C.C.J. for leave to appeal. That is the procedure. And then they will set the timetable.”