By Breaking Belize News Staff: Two men accused of the sensational double murder of a Burrell Boom couple in January 2025 were formally indicted in the High Court on Tuesday, October 20, with both pleading not guilty to the killings.
Jovannie Rashad Jones, 31, and Jerwin Ornand Segura, 25, appeared before Justice Nigel Pilgrim, where they were indicted on two counts of murder in connection with the shooting deaths of 40-year-old Adelita Gillett, a pharmaceutical manager at Brodies, and her husband, 37-year-old Felix Martinez, an employee of Belize Bank.
The couple was found shot to death inside their Chevrolet Equinox SUV near Mile 31 of the Philip Goldson Highway, between Biscayne Village and the Crooked Tree junction, on January 20, 2025.
Investigators believe the killings stemmed from a failed vehicle transaction. The couple had reportedly paid more than $30,000 for a vehicle they never received and had arranged to meet someone to recover their money. Police believe they were ambushed during that meeting.
The murders shocked the Burrell Boom community, particularly as the couple left behind a 10-year-old son. Gillett had worked at Brodies for approximately 20 years, while Martinez was also well known in Belize’s basketball community.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Jones, who is the son of a pastor, was represented by attorney Leeroy Banner. Segura, however, remained unrepresented and informed the court that he wanted an attorney but could not afford one.
Given the seriousness of the charges, Justice Pilgrim indicated that an attorney would be appointed to represent Segura before further proceedings could take place.
The matter was adjourned to November 27, 2026, for mention, at which time the court is expected to address Segura’s legal representation before proceeding with case management and setting a trial date.
Both accused men, who have been incarcerated since their initial arraignment in January 2025, were further remanded to the Belize Central Prison.
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