Convicted Killer Rupert Vanzie Sentenced

He was charged for murder but last week a jury voted to convict Rupert Vanzie of manslaughter. The verdict was reached on Monday July 6th after a trial in the Belmopan session of the Supreme Court. This morning Justice Troadio Gonzalez sentenced him to 12 years in jail. He was charged for killing Henry Rodriguez in Teakettle Village on November 6th of 2006. He did it in a jealous rage after finding out that Rodriquez –who recently moved to the village - was dating his ex-common law wife.

Vanzie allegedly pulled out a kitchen knife and stabbed Rodriguez in the chest. He died on the spot. Crown Counsel Elizabeth Purcell was the prosecutor and Anthony Sylvestre defended Rupert Vanzie.