Two weeks ago a jury found Wayne Martinez guilty of murder but said that his brother Norris was not guilty. The two had been accused of killing 45-year-old Reno Castillo near the Belize Mexico Institute in October of 2005. Well today Justice Adolph Lucas sentenced Martinez to life in prison for the killing.
In his last moments of freedom, he left the courtroom and greeted his family including a small child and then went into a huddle with friends. They gave him money and shared a few light moments.
Before sentencing, Justice Lucas advised him to behave well in prison and to use the time well, noting also that in time he could be eligible for parole. Lucas said that he was impressed and moved by the two character witnesses who gave mitigation please on Martinez's behalf. He said however that he could not give him less than life in prison because a life had been taken.
On the night of October 10th 2005, the brothers were accused of riding up on Reno Castillo and taking his sunglasses and cap. A fight started and only ended after Wayne Martinez allegedly stabbed Castillo four times.
