Oscar Selgado Guilty of Abetment to Commit Murder

Defense attorney Oscar Selgado has been found guilty of abetment to commit murder in an unprecedented ruling handed down by High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim. Justice Pilgrim determined that Selgado had attempted to hire a gang member to carry out the murder of Marilyn Barnes, who had filed a complaint against him for unethical behavior. The judge found that the prosecution’s main witness, Giovanni Ramirez, was truthful and reliable. News Five’s Hipolito Novelo was in court and has the following story.

 

Hipolito Novelo, Reporting

From defense attorney to convict… Tonight, defense attorney Oscar Selgado is sitting in a jail cell at the Belize Central Prison. This is after High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim handed down a historic verdict. Selgado was found guilty of abetment to commit murder.

 

Cheryl Lynn Vidal, Director of Public Prosecutions

“Let’s just say justice was done. I don’t know of any other case. I’ve been here 23 and a half years.”

 

Selgado is facing up to seven years behind bars, based on precedence. He attempted to hire Belize City gang member Giovanni Ramirez to murder Marilyn Barnes, who had made a complaint to the General Legal Counsel against Selgado for unethical behavior. Ramirez was the prosecution’s main witness, and in his ruling, Justice Pilgrim determined that Ramirez’s evidence was truthful and reliable.

 

Cheryl Lynn Vidal

“He accepted the statement of Giovanni Ramirez. He found him to be truthful in his statement and that what was stated in that statement suffice to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.”

 

From our records, this is the first time that a practicing attorney has been convicted of such a crime. In November 2023, after chastising the media, Selgado said he would comment when the trial concluded.

 

Oscar Selgado, Guilty of Abetment to Commit Murder (File: November 3^rd 2023)

“What is it that the media wants to ask me? To comment upon a case that is before a judge? I am not afraid of the media. I have nothing to hide. What I want you people to understand is to respect my privacy and I don’t want to see you back at this court until the case is finish. When the case is finished, I will give you an interview, and I will tell you what I think.”

 

Selgado appeared in court today in casual clothing.  During the judgment, he stared expressionlessly away from Justice Pilgrim who pronounced him guilty.  He had no words for News Five while being escorted to a waiting prison van at the end of the session.

 

Hipolito Novelo

“Mister Selgado, anything to say, sir?”

 

Oscar Selgado

“(No Answer)”

 

Hipolito Novelo

“You said you would comment at the end of the trial.”

 

Oscar Selgado

“(No answer)”

 

Hipolito Novelo

“How do you feel about the verdict today that you’ve been found guilty of abetment to commit murder?”

 

Oscar Selgado

“(No answer)”

 

Hipolito Novelo

“Any words for your family?

 

Oscar Selgado

“(No Answer)”

 

Hipolito Novelo

“Will you appeal, sir?

 

Oscar Selgado

“(No Answer)”

 

It would not be unusual for Selgado to appeal the verdict; however, DPP Cheryl Lynn Vidal says it will be difficult.

 

Hipolito Novelo

“Is there any indication from Mr. Sargaro’s attorney that they would appeal this matter?

 

Cheryl Lynn Vidal

 “I don’t think they’ll be giving me that indication, but I’m certain that he will.  I’m also certain that he’ll find it very difficult from what I heard to succeed on an appeal.”

 

Attorney Richard Dickie Bradley, who sat in the courtroom, described today’s events as quote, ‘a sad day’.

 

Richard “Dickie” Bradley, Attorney

“It is a sad day.”

 

Reporter

“What happens now? Obviously, he won’t be able to represent the accused people in the Bladden 12.”

 

Richard “Dickie” Bradley

“That is true. We have to make arrangements for them to be properly represented.”

 

Reporter

“What is the penalty or sentence that he faces?

 

Richard “Dickie” Bradley

“Well, the maximum under the law is that he can get life imprisonment.”

Selgado was represented by attorney Adolph Lucas Senior. He is to appear in court on April 29^th for sentencing.  Reporting for News Five, I am Hipolito Novelo.