By Belize Live News Staff: The trial of interdicted police officer Sergeant Walton Patrick Banner, 36, began on Monday in Belize City Magistrate’s Court before a Senior Magistrate in Court #3. Banner, a resident of Lemonal Village, is facing charges of obstruction for allegedly preventing Corporal Shane Cabral from arresting Julian Reynolds during an incident at the Castleton Horse Track in Burrell Boom on April 1, 2024.
The proceedings started at 10:00 a.m., with Head of Prosecutions Alifah Elrington presenting the case and calling the first two of five witnesses. Banner, who is being represented by attorney Leeroy Banner, heard testimony from Police Constable (PC) Mendez. Mendez stated that he was part of a Special Patrol Unit (SPU) team responding to a fight that broke out following a horse race. During the incident, the officers encountered a man armed with a machete who had injured another individual. Mendez testified that Corporal Cabral fired a warning shot to de-escalate the situation, after which the suspect complied and was detained.
According to Mendez, during the arrest, Sergeant Banner, dressed in a red cap, red shirt, and three-quarter jeans, intervened by acting boisterously, using insulting language, and creating a commotion. This, Mendez claimed, hindered the officers’ ability to transport the detainee to the police vehicle.
PC Travis Zuniga also testified, supporting Mendez’s account and adding that Banner had questioned their actions through gestures and remarks. However, during cross-examination, attorney Leeroy Banner challenged Zuniga’s statement, alleging inconsistencies with his original 2024 report and accusing him of fabricating parts of the story. Zuniga denied these allegations.
In the afternoon session, two additional witnesses, PC Christian Reyes and Corporal Shane Cabral, were called to testify. The prosecution plans to present one final witness, the arresting officer, when the trial resumes on Thursday, January 23, 2024.
Sergeant Banner has denied all allegations against him and maintains his innocence. As the trial continues, the court will evaluate the evidence and testimonies presented by both the prosecution and the defense. The case has garnered attention due to its implications regarding accountability and conduct within law enforcement ranks.
