48 year old Belmopan businessman Osman Correa is wanted in the United States for an intoxicated manslaughter incident which happened over 20 years ago. He is accused of killing 2 and injuring 4 others.
Now the US wants him for extradition and the hearing started today before the Chief Magistrate. The case was first brought in 2022 andhe has been on remand since then.
His attorney said it is at the preliminary stages:
Bryan Neal, Attorney for Correa
"Today was just a formality in which documents were tendered and that were allegedly sent by the United States. I was given an opportunity to cross-examine the consular officer that accepted the documents."
"I found that the way the documents were handled leaves a lot of open questions, so those questions were put to the witness. We now have until the 22nd of December for the crown to put in their submissions and then we have until January 22nd for me to reply and we will be back in court on January 25th to make oral arguments before the Chief Magistrate."
Reporter
"Okay, a bundle was admitted into evidence some 90 -odd pages or more. Do you understand at this point what is the allegation being made against Mr Correo?"
Bryan Neal, Attorney for Correa
"The allegation is that over 20 years ago he was involved in an accident in the United States in which some people lost their lives and so the American government has requested that he be extradited back to the United States to stand trial for that crime."
The State is being represented by the DPP herself, Cheryl Lynn-Vidal and Stacy Martinez, Senior Crown Counsel at the AG's Ministry.
Correa had been living in Texas up to 1998 and is believed to have absconded while out on bail. He came to Belize where he is a well established furniture repair man.
He remains on remand without bail.
