By Belize Live News Staff: A Ladyville barber accused in one of Belize’s most shocking double murders was yesterday convicted in the High Court after Justice Candace Nanton completely rejected his defense.
Miguelito Encalada was found guilty on two counts of murder for the April 2023 killings of his wife, 50-year-old Desiree Gonzalez, and her 25-year-old brother George Rochester. Both victims were found shot dead inside Gonzalez’s Ladyville home.
The case drew national attention after a selfie surfaced allegedly showing Encalada lying on top of the victims’ bodies after the murders. Authorities also linked the killings to Encalada’s licensed 9mm pistol.
During the trial, Encalada maintained his innocence and claimed unidentified gunmen invaded his business while he was intoxicated and passed out. He alleged the intruders robbed him of thousands of dollars, killed the victims, but spared his life.
Justice Nanton rejected the account, reportedly describing the story as unbelievable and inconsistent with the evidence presented in court.
