And while Encalada will spend decades in jail, another accused wife killer, Juan Carlos Novelo, will not. He was today acquitted of the murder of his common-law wife, Leslie Margarita Verde, after Justice Candace Nanton ruled that he was not guilty of the charge.
Novelo, who had been accused of killing Verde in November 2023 at her home in Caye Caulker, walked free following the brief court announcement. Justice Nanton said she will provide her full reasons for the decision in a written judgment at a later date.
Outside the courtroom, Novelo maintained his innocence and expressed relief following the verdict.
Reporter
"Mr. Novelo, how does it feel?"
Juan Novelo, Acquitted
"It feels good, you know, because I never killed my common-law wife. I just want say to the family, deep down my heart, I never what they think I do. So I'm happy with this verdict and I feel good."
Verde, a mother of two, was found dead inside her home in the Bahia area of Caye Caulker during the early hours of November 4, 2023. She had been beaten and strangled.
