Marvin Cal, who was found guilty of causing death by careless conduct in a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of Oscar Rhodas, was today sentenced to 47 days imprisonment, time already served, and released from custody.
Justice Derick Sylvester also ordered Cal to pay $5,000 in compensation to Rosa Reyes, the common-law wife of the deceased. The compensation must be paid within 18 months, with minimum monthly payments of $300 beginning July 1, 2026. Failure to make payments could result in six months imprisonment. Cal was convicted on April 30, 2026, after a nine-member jury deliberated for about two hours before finding him guilty.
The case arose from a fatal traffic accident on June 12, 2023, along the Hattieville-Burrell Boom Road. Rhodas, who was riding in the pan of a white Ford Ranger pickup, died from severe injuries sustained in the crash. During the trial, Cal maintained that he was not the driver and claimed he was a passenger. However, the prosecution, led by Crown Counsel Maria Nembhard-Santana, presented eyewitness and expert evidence that convinced the jury otherwise.
Cal was originally charged with several traffic offenses, including manslaughter by negligence, but was ultimately indicted and convicted on a single charge of causing death by careless conduct.
