Justice Nigel Pilgrim handed down a guilty verdict today against 36-year-old Krismar Espinosa for the cold-blooded, execution-style murder of bicycle repairman and cyclist Wilbert E. Banks Jr.
The court found that Espinosa, consumed by jealousy after discovering a photograph of Banks, orchestrated a deadly plot using his girlfriend-Banks' ex-partner-as bait. Fearing for her life and the life of her son after repeated death threats from Espinosa, the woman lured Banks to the Lake Garden area of Ladyville on April 5, 2024.
Upon arrival, Espinosa ambushed the vehicle, firing from the passenger side. As a wounded Banks attempted to drive away, Espinosa pursued him, firing seven shots in total until Banks crashed.
Espinosa's plot unraveled when police recovered a mobile phone at the crime scene displaying the girlfriend's photograph, directly leading investigators to the couple's Lord's Bank home.
During the judge-alone trial, the prosecution's key witness, the ex-girlfriend, testified via video link from the United States, where she currently resides under asylum. Though defense attorney Michael Peyrefitte argued the allegations were fabricated and presented conflicting alibis regarding a borrowed vehicle, Justice Pilgrim rejected Espinosa's defense as entirely untrue.
Justice Pilgrim ruled that despite her role as an accomplice acting under extreme duress, the main witness provided credible, reliable testimony. Espinosa remains in custody awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for September 7th.
Espinosa's attorney says he plans to appeal.
