In the southern session of the High Court today, 39-year-old Donicio Pau of Big Falls Village, Toledo, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2021 death of fellow villager Simon Baki.
The case, presided over by Justice Moore, stems from an incident in July of 2021 when Pau and Baki had been drinking at Hilltop Bar in Big Falls when they left together. About 15 minutes later, Baki was found lying face down in the mud by a relative.
Pau was detained later that day and gave multiple statements to police admitting that a confrontation with Baki escalated after Baki hit him with a rock. Pau said he retaliated by picking up a larger rock and throwing it at Baki as he tried to flee, hitting him in the head.
Police later arrested and charged Pau with manslaughter.
Today, Pau's attorney, Ivan Williams, informed the court that his client wished to plead guilty. The Crown, represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Javier Chan, accepted the plea.
A sentencing hearing will now be scheduled.
