by Roy Davis (freelance reporter)

BELIZE CITY, Tues. June 18, 2024

Kriston Francis, 20, a resident of Aloe Vera Street, charged with the murder of Adrian Pook, 29, a laborer of Ordonez Street, pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared today before Justice Derek Sylvester.

A sentence hearing will be held for him on July 16, after Justice Sylvester has received a victim impact assessment statement, a social inquiry report, a psychiatric report, a report from the Belize Central Prison, and an antecedent history of Francis.

The Crown, represented by Crown Counsels Riis Cattouse and Shanell Fernandez, and Francis’ attorney, Arthur Saldivar, will make submissions.

The incident occurred at about 8:25 a.m. on April 30, 2023.

An initial investigation by the police revealed that Francis ran and jumped over the back zinc fence of Pook’s yard, and he hid behind the fence until he saw Pook walking on an unnamed street, located adjacent to Ordonez Street.

Francis then fired a single shot which fatally struck Pook.

Pook’s family members, who were at home at the time, approached Francis and subdued him after taking the gun away from him.

A struggle then ensued as Francis tried to get away. He was beaten then handed over to the police when they arrived.

Pook and Francis were transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where Pook succumbed to his injury.

Francis was admitted to ward at the KHMH and he was released after about 2 weeks.