By Breaking Belize News Staff: More than four months after being charged with the murder of 15-year-old Rackeem Armstrong and the attempted murder of his 18-year-old cousin, Justin Young, Dean Emerson Vaccaro, 34, remains without disclosure of the prosecution’s case against him.
Vaccaro, a labourer of Sandhill Village, appeared in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Friday, October 9, where prosecutors informed the Senior Magistrate that the case file was still not ready and had been returned to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further work.
The prosecution indicated that it remained within the required timeframe for disclosure, and the court granted another adjournment until December 18, 2026.
Vaccaro was arraigned on June 3 on four indictable charges: murder, attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison.
The charges stem from a deadly shooting in Gardenia Village on May 31, when a gunman approached a group of relatives gathered outside and opened fire, killing Armstrong and seriously injuring Young.
Armstrong, an honour-roll student at Ladyville Technical High School who reportedly dreamed of joining the Belize Coast Guard, was shot in the head and shoulder. Young suffered extensive injuries, including a gunshot wound near his spine, raising concerns about his ability to walk again.
Police previously indicated that the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute involving a motorcycle, although investigators had not established who the intended target was. Authorities were also seeking another suspect in connection with the incident.
Vaccaro remains on remand as the case awaits further proceedings.
The post No case file ready for Dean Vaccaro, accused of murdering 15-year-old Rackeem Armstrong; case adjourned until December appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.