Mistrial Declared in High-Profile Kidnapping Case Due to Media Interference

A mistrial was declared today in the kidnapping case against convicted killer Danny Mason and his henchman, Ryan Rhaburn. The matter began last week in the Belmopan High Court and both men were to testify today but the case was thrown out due to interference from the media. Last week, despite warnings from the Director of Public Prosecutions, a media house published information and aired an interview relating to the court denying a no-case submission filed by the duo’s attorneys. Additionally, we understand that a juror’s face was shown during a television broadcast last week, prompting Justice Francis Cumberbatch to declare a mistrial. If the matter had not been ruled void, tomorrow, the presiding Justice would have delivered his verdict. Mason and Rhaburn were on trial for two counts of kidnapping a Mennonite couple, Lloyd and Rosy Friesen. Additionally, Mason also faced a blackmail charge for allegedly demanding $2,500 weekly for protection from Lloyd Friesen. Mason was represented by Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington and Rhaburn by Senior Counsel Simeon Sampson. It is unclear whether the media house responsible for the infractions will face any penalties.