Pre-trial hearing set for Kentroy McKoy in Mark Francisco murder case

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for October 1, 2026, for Kentroy McKoy, the sole remaining accused in the August 2024 murder of Belize City fisherman Mark Francisco.

McKoy appeared before Justice Candace Nanton in the High Court on Wednesday, accompanied by his attorney, Oscar Selgado. He remains on remand while awaiting trial.

McKoy was initially charged alongside Degron Shakeel Joseph, but the murder charge against Joseph was withdrawn earlier this year on the direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Joseph was reportedly granted immunity in exchange for his testimony in the case.

Francisco, 53, was fatally shot on the morning of August 4, 2024, while preparing for a fishing trip near Cemetery Lane and Yarborough Road.

Police said a gunman exited a silver Toyota 4Runner and opened fire before fleeing. Investigators reportedly tracked the vehicle through surveillance footage from Ladyville into Belize City and later to Santa Barbara Street.

The investigation allegedly linked Joseph and McKoy to the vehicle shortly before the shooting. Both men were arraigned for murder on August 13, 2024.

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