By Belize Live News Staff: Accused murderer Elmer Nah has dismissed prominent Belizean attorney Godfrey Smith and retained Trinidadian lawyer Peter Taylor to represent him in his high-profile case. The announcement was made during a virtual court hearing today, catching both the court and Smith by surprise.
Nah, who appeared remotely from Belize Central Prison, confirmed to the court that he had replaced Smith with Taylor and his legal team. Justice Nigel Pilgrim subsequently adjourned the case to March 13, 2025, for a Case Management Conference (CMC), just one day after Belize’s general elections.
Smith, who had been representing Nah, addressed the court before the announcement, stating that he had been hearing rumors about a change in legal representation. When he asked Nah to clarify, the accused confirmed that Taylor would be handling his defense. Smith then exited the courtroom without further comment.
Taylor, a Trinidadian attorney recently admitted to the Belize Bar, is also representing William “Danny” Mason in his kidnapping trial set to begin in April. He was not present in Belize for today’s proceedings and is expected to appear virtually at the next hearing.
Efforts to reach Taylor for comment were unsuccessful, as he is currently back in Trinidad. Nah’s case, which involves a triple murder charge, remains one of Belize’s most closely watched legal battles.
