By Belize Live News Staff: Three men accused of the 2015 beating death of Coast Guardsman Aurelio Montero Jr., a resident of Bullet Tree Village, have pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
Windell Obando, Hamed Awe, and Saul Ortiz were initially charged with murder after allegedly beating and robbing Montero in downtown San Ignacio on a Holy Saturday morning. Montero tragically succumbed to his injuries shortly after being found.
In a plea deal reached on Monday, the charges were reduced to manslaughter. Each defendant has been fined $5,000, totaling $15,000 in compensation to be paid to the victim’s parents by January 2025.
This resolution brings a measure of closure to the family and friends of Montero, whose life was cut short nine years ago.
