By Breaking Belize News Staff: Convicted murderer Krismar Espinosa, 37, was sentenced to life imprisonment on Tuesday for the execution-style killing of Wilbert “Yellow” Banks Jr., a well-known member of Belize’s cycling community who was lured to his death in April 2024.
High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim ordered that Espinosa serve a minimum of 32 years before becoming eligible for parole, with the sentence taking effect from April 9, 2024.
In determining the minimum term, Justice Pilgrim began with 30 years but added five years after considering aggravating factors, particularly Espinosa’s previous manslaughter conviction. The judge noted that his criminal history demonstrated a danger to the public and raised concerns about his rehabilitation.
However, three years were deducted for mitigating factors, including his good conduct while on remand, participation in prison rehabilitation programmes, family support and positive character references.
Espinosa was found guilty on July 31, 2026, following a trial without a jury. The court heard that Banks, 38, was shot seven times on April 5, 2024, in the Lake Garden area near Ladyville after being lured there by his former girlfriend, who was in a relationship with Espinosa.
The woman testified that Espinosa threatened to kill her and her young son unless she brought Banks to the location. Banks attempted to escape after being shot but crashed his vehicle. Espinosa denied involvement, claiming he was home at the time.
The sentencing followed emotional victim impact statements from Banks’ employer, Andrew Ordonez, his father, Wilbert Banks Sr., and his 14-year-old daughter.
Ordonez remembered Banks as a hardworking and peaceful employee who was like a son to him. His father spoke of the devastating loss of both his sons, including Kadeem Banks, who died in a traffic accident while covering a cycling race in 2022.
Banks’ daughter recalled Sunday barbecues, Valentine’s Day gifts and the comfort she felt around her father. She told the court that Father’s Day would never be the same and that she would always feel his absence.
Espinosa had previously served approximately 16 years in prison in connection with another killing, having been convicted of manslaughter. He was released in July 2023, less than a year before Banks was murdered.
The Crown had sought a life sentence, arguing that the calculated nature of the killing, the use of a firearm and Espinosa’s criminal history warranted severe punishment.
Espinosa will be eligible to apply for parole only after serving the minimum 32-year term. His release at that point is not guaranteed.
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