Three Convicted in Attempted Robbery at Belize City Shop, One Fugitive Remains

A brazen attempted robbery at Lina’s Shop on Mahogany Street in November 2022 has resulted in guilty verdicts for three of the four men involved, although one of the men has since fled.  Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola handed down the ruling today in the Lower Court. After a trial that saw the prosecution present compelling video evidence and call ten witnesses, Chief Magistrate Wegodapola delivered her verdict on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Smith, Conorquie, and Castillo were found guilty on all counts. Westby was acquitted, with the Chief Magistrate stating that while the video footage was vivid, it did not conclusively prove Westby’s involvement beyond his initial entry and subsequent departure from the shop. Conorquie was represented by Attorney Ronell Gonzalez, while the other three men were unrepresented. Keenan Castillo, however, failed to appear in court on Friday, March 7, 2025, when the Chief Magistrate was scheduled to deliver her ruling. He remains a fugitive. Sentencing for Smith and Conorquie is scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025. The court will also address the status of Castillo and determine whether to proceed with sentencing in his absence.  The incident occurred around 11am was captured on security footage, showing four men entering the shop. The men were identified as Nolbert Smith, Marquis Conorquie, Tareef Westby, and Keenan Castillo. According to the evidence presented in court, while Tareef Westby exited the shop shortly after entering, Smith, Conorquie, and Castillo remained inside, brandishing 9mm firearms and holding employees and customers at gunpoint. The attempted robbery was thwarted when a female employee fled the store, prompting Smith to pursue her. A police officer stationed at the nearby precinct witnessed the pursuit and fired a warning shot, causing Smith to drop his weapon and retreat into the shop. Inside, Castillo was seen jumping over the counter. Police, who had been alerted to the ongoing robbery, entered the store and apprehended the men. Firearms were recovered from the three men, including those they attempted to conceal in the back of the shop. All four men were charged with attempted robbery and two counts of firearms-related offenses, namely keeping a firearm and ammunition without a license.