Tonight, there is justice for the family of 28 year old mother Marisela Gonzalez who was murdered and discarded on the edge of the town dump in San Pedro in 2020. And after 7 months of court proceedings, her husband 32 year old David Gonzalez was found guilty of murder today by Justice Ricardo O'Neil who handed down a 45 page decision.
Sandcroft explained that the case is based on circumstantial evidence given that there were no eyewitnesses. One key piece of evidence he discussed involved the testimony of a Sandhill businessman who received a distress call from Gonzalez the night Marisela was murdered. The witness alleges that Gonzalez had phoned him, asked if he could be trusted and then disclosed over the phone that he had just killed his wife. The witness claims that he had worked with Gonzalez for over six years. Gonzalez had also openly admitted to the court that he was the last person to see his wife before she was found. With that and other compelling evidence expertly led by Senior Crown Counsel Riis Cattouse, the judge concluded, quote: "After evaluating the evidence...I conclude that the Prosecution has proven all the essential elements against you beyond a reasonable doubt so I convict you of murder: guilty." Gonzalez stood still in the dock, with no visible reaction to the guilty verdict he had just heard.
But for the victim's family - it was very emotional. Her sister told our court reporter how difficult the entire ordeal has been for her and her family:
Myra Guzman, Sister of Deceased
"I just said, thank God. It got so difficult for me to say this. And then I'm so thankful that the judge came up to this decision. And I know that my niece will be living a better life without him."
|I don't know, I'm just thankful for this. Well, it's not been easy for any of us, especially my mom. Even his daughter went through some rough times. But I think she's better at this point. And I'm just glad that she's going to be away from him."
Gonzalez was represented in court by Attorney Oscar Selgado. Gonzalez's sentencing is set for December 14th.
