by Roy Davis (freelance reporter)

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. May 18, 2023

The trial of Antwan Rivero, 24, charged with the murder of Marcia Downs, 42, came to an abrupt end today when the main witness, the only eye witness, a minor, appeared virtually before Justice Ricardo Sandcroft and stated that he does not wish to testify.

As a result, Crown counsel Portia Ferguson, after having used the statements of 10 agreed witnesses that were read into evidence, closed the case for the Crown.

Attorney Oscar Selgado, who represented Rivero, then made a submission that based on the evidence adduced by the Crown, Rivero does not have a case to answer to.

Justice Sandcroft upheld the submission and acquitted Rivero.

The incident occurred on April 11, 2018, at the residence of Downs, located at 49 Handyside Street. Downs was standing at her front gate when her assailant approached her and shot her twice. She was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.

Police arrested and charged Rivero, who lived at 35 Handyside Street, six days later.