Attempted Murder Trial for Elroy Williams Moves Forward After Rejected Plea Deal

Elroy Williams will stand trial for attempted murder in the Belize High Court after the prosecution rejected his plea deal. Williams, a resident of Lords Bank, appeared before Justice Nigel Pilgrim last Friday, hoping to plead guilty to the charge of ‘use of deadly means of harm with intent to cause grievous harm’ and settle with a $2,500 compensation. However, the Crown refused the agreement, stating it was ‘in the interest of justice’ to proceed with the attempted murder charge. Williams, who was initially indicted in June 2019 and pleaded not guilty, was charged with the attempted murder of Michael Jones following an incident on January 31, 2018, described as a crime of passion involving a love triangle. Allegedly, Williams attacked Jones with a 2×4 piece of wood in the Lords Bank, Ladyville area. Although Williams had previously been granted bail, he violated the conditions and, as a result, had his bail revoked by Justice Pilgrim on July 24, 2024. He has since been remanded to prison, where he will await trial for attempted murder. Williams was represented by attorney Leeroy Banner, who initially negotiated for a non-custodial sentence.