By Belize Live News Staff: Earl Baptist, 23, has been sentenced to 23 years in prison for the murder of shopkeeper Leslie “Dimes” Gillett, which occurred in January 2022. Baptist was convicted earlier this year after being found guilty of shooting Gillett at Mathilda Shop in Burrell Boom Village.
The court initially set the sentence at 25 years, taking into account aggravating factors such as the nature of the crime, which was described as deliberate and without provocation. However, two years were subtracted due to Baptist’s age and potential for rehabilitation, leaving him with a final sentence of 23 years. Time already served in remand will also be deducted.
The shooting was captured on surveillance footage, which was instrumental in securing the conviction. According to reports, Gillett was behind the counter when Baptist and another individual approached. One of them posed as a customer before drawing a firearm and fatally shooting Gillett.
The case is linked to a broader pattern of violence, with two of Gillett’s employees, Kendra Miguel and Dennis Brown, being murdered two months prior. Their deaths are suspected to be part of the same ongoing dispute.
Baptist was represented by attorney Leeroy Banner, while Crown Counsel Shanell Fernandez represented the prosecution.
