CONVICTIONS IN MUSA CASE

Guatemala, August 8, 2011. This afternoon, the Second High‑Risk Trial Court convicted eight individuals and acquitted two others, all charged with participating in the murder of businessman Khalil Musa and that of his daughter, Marjorie Musa, on April 14, 2009.

The convicted individuals were handed the following sentences:

1. Felipe Antonio Escobar Sicán (accessory before the fact), 40 years in prison for murder and 8 years for criminal association.
2. Marlon Wilfredo Pineda González, 40 years in prison for murder and 8 years for criminal association.
3. Wilfredo Antonio Paz Mejía, acquitted.
4. Mario Luis Paz Mejía, 40 years in prison for murder.
5. Wilian Gilberto Santos Divas, 40 years in prison for murder.
6. Edwin Idelmo López, 40 years in prison for murder.
7. Balmoris Guzmán Orellana, 40 years in prison for murder.
8. Samuel Girón Cobar, 40 years in prison for murder.
9. Bayron Estuardo Santos Divas, acquitted.
10. Rudy Romeo Rodríguez, 8 years for criminal association.

The Court admitted as evidence the statements of two justice collaborators, the scientific and documentary evidence offered by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) and the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). The evidence demonstrated the manner in which the criminal group planned and executed the plan to murder the businessman and his daughter.

The father and daughter were murdered on April 14, 2009 at 12:50 while travelling in their vehicle between Avenida Petapa and the corner of 35 Calle (Zone 12 of Guatemala City). They had previously left the facilities of their business, Lacetex.

CICIG acts as a complementary prosecutor in these criminal proceedings.