Sentencing for Convicted Murderer Julio Paiz Deferred

21-year-old Julio Paiz Jr. appeared in the Belize High Court before Justice Nigel Pilgrim on Wednesday for a mitigation hearing following his conviction for the 2021 murder of Hilberto Caliz. Paiz’s attorney, Emérita Anderson, attended the session virtually. In court, Paiz reportedly apologised to Caliz’s family. 

Paiz’s sentencing decision has been deferred until December 18.

On December 11, 2021, Paiz shot and killed 35-year-old Caliz in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town. Justice Pilgrim ruled that Paiz had a motive for the murder, as Caliz had been responsible for Paiz losing his job.

Key circumstantial evidence was provided through the testimony of Ryan Sanker, who gave sworn evidence that Paiz was on the same golf cart as him before the shooting. Sanker stated that he saw Paiz armed with a gun and later witnessed him exiting the cart and running back with the firearm still in hand. Justice Pilgrim found Sanker’s testimony credible.

The Crown’s key witness, Emma Diaz—the common-law wife of Caliz—testified that she saw Caliz running as Paiz chased him, firing shots. She said Caliz fell to the ground, at which point Paiz stood over him and fired additional shots. Caliz sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and back.