He shot a man and left him paralysed from the waist down, but 36 year old Donovan Franzua was only convicted of dangerous harm today. He had originally been charged with attempted murder in the shooting which left the victim 28 year old Omar Vellos paralyzed from the waist down.
But yesterday he pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of dangerous harm in the court of Justice Denis Hanomansingh in Corozal Supreme Court.
Justice Hanomansingh has deferred sentencing until October 17 in order to give Franzua time to prepare a plea for mitigation. The incident occurred between 7:30a.m and 8a.m on March 9th 2010. Vellos, the owner of a Carwash at the time, was at his business when Franzua came and pointed a 9 millimeter pistol at him and threatened him.
Vellos said Franzua then fired a shot that struck him in his right hip and he ran to get away. But Franzua pursued him and fired 3 more shots at him. He said one of the bullets struck him in his spine and the injury has left him paralyzed.
Franzua changed his plea from not guilty to guilty after the prosecution, represented by Crown Counsel Trienia Young, closed its case. Franzua was not represented by an attorney.
