Benyahti Brandon receives disclosure in Paul Smith Jr. murder case; PI set for September

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Twenty-seven-year-old Benyahti Brandon has been further remanded to the Belize Central Prison after receiving full disclosure in the case against him for the February murder of Paul Smith Jr. in La Democracia Village.

Brandon, who appeared unrepresented before the Chief Magistrate in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, was provided with 83 pages of disclosure, five DVDs and three photographs.

With disclosure now completed, the court has scheduled Brandon’s Preliminary Inquiry for September 11, 2026.

The Chief Magistrate advised Brandon that he may consult with his attorney regarding an application for bail at the High Court, as well as any applications challenging evidence to be considered during the proceedings.

Brandon was first arraigned on February 5 on charges of murder and attempted murder stemming from a shooting in La Democracia on February 3, 2026.

Police say Paul Smith Jr. was walking with his girlfriend and 24-year-old Tyrece Lewis Allen when a gunman reportedly emerged from behind a house and opened fire. Smith was shot and later pronounced dead, while Allen suffered a gunshot wound to the knee and was treated and released from hospital.

Police previously reported that surveillance footage from the area assisted investigators in identifying Brandon as a suspect.

Brandon remains on remand pending his September 11 court appearance.

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