Two police officers convicted of manslaughter in death of Andrew Dougal

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Two police officers have been convicted of manslaughter in connection with the 2022 death of 25-year-old Santa Cruz resident Andrew Dougal.

Justice Antoinette Moore delivered the guilty verdicts against officers John Lucas and Jaleel Lewis at around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, following their trial in the Belmopan High Court.

Both men were remanded pending sentencing, which has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Lucas was represented by attorney Audrey Matura, while attorney Hurl Hamilton represented Lewis. Crown Counsel Javier Chan prosecuted the case on behalf of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Both officers exercised their right to remain silent during the trial.

The case arose after Dougal was allegedly beaten and forcefully placed into the back of a police pickup truck during an encounter with the officers in Santa Cruz. Cellphone footage later emerged showing portions of the incident.

Dougal subsequently died at the hospital after reportedly suffering internal bleeding and other complications from his injuries.

Matura said a central issue during the trial was Dougal’s haemophilia, an inherited condition that prevents the blood from clotting normally. The court considered whether injuries sustained during the encounter were worsened by the condition and ultimately led to his death.

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