by Roy Davis (freelance reporter)

BELIZE CITY, Mon. May 8, 2023

Mayflower Street resident Jordan Burns, 23, had a big smile on his face when he came out of the courtroom of Justice Ricardo Sandcroft today after he was freed of a charge of murder for the death of another Mayflower Street resident, Carlton Moreira, 35.

The Crown, represented by Crown Counsel Portia Ferguson, entered a nolle prosequi, which indicated that the Crown did not want to proceed with the trial. As a result, Justice Sandcroft freed Burns of the charge. But he explained to Burns that a nolle prosequi is not an acquittal, and that the charge can be brought back.

The nolle prosequi was entered because the main witnesses, two of whom were eyewitnesses of the murder, are unavailable. One of them is residing in the United States of America and the other, who is living in Belize, cannot be located.

Moreira, a father of two, was fatally shot in broad daylight on May 23, 2018. He and a friend were walking through an alley that connects Mayflower Street with Lakeview Street when they were approached by a man who wanted money from Moreira’s friend. Moreira intervened on behalf of his friend, and that was when he was shot twice in his head.

The police quickly responded to the incident, and they pursued the gunman but were unable to apprehend him.

Burns was later arrested and charged.

Burns was represented by attorney Oscar Selgado.