A jury has found Marvin Cal guilty of causing death by careless conduct in connection with a fatal traffic accident on the Burrell Boom-Hattieville Road in November 2023.
Cal had denied being the driver of the white Ford Ranger pickup truck involved in the crash, maintaining in a dock statement that he was only a passenger. However, the prosecution presented evidence from police and civilian witnesses who testified that Cal was the driver and had been trapped behind the steering wheel after the collision.
The Crown alleged that Cal was speeding and overtaking a bus when he lost control, swerved into oncoming traffic, and collided with a grey Dodge Dakota pickup towing a trailer.
The impact claimed the life of Oscar Rhodas, who was riding in the pan of Cal's vehicle. Rhodas was flung from the truck and died at the scene.
Following the verdict, Justice Derick Sylvester revoked Cal's bail and remanded him to the Belize Central Prison until June 16, 2026, when he is to be sentenced.
Cal now faces a possible prison sentence or a fine, depending on the court's consideration of aggravating and mitigating factors. He represented by attorney Hurl Hamilton.