By Belize Live News Staff: Jason McKenzie, the man who fatally shot 34-year-old James Escarpeta in the head in July 2023, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder. The fatal shooting occurred at the corner of West and Orange Street in Belize City, and McKenzie was identified after surveillance footage captured him leaving the scene.
McKenzie, now 34, pleaded guilty to the charge in February and appeared in court on Wednesday for sentencing. The court handed down a 20-year prison term, which, after crediting two years for time served on remand, means he will spend 18 more years behind bars.
Despite the gravity of the sentence, McKenzie reportedly showed no emotion. As he left the courtroom, he smiled and slowly walked for the cameras, unfazed by the outcome of the trial.
Prosecutors built the case around key surveillance evidence that linked McKenzie to the scene, leading to his eventual guilty plea.
