Murder accused Anthony Carballo Jr. seeks sentencing indication, signaling possible guilty plea

By Breaking Belize News Staff: Anthony Carballo Jr., one of two men accused of the 2023 murder of Sylvian Nigel Swift, has asked the High Court for a sentencing indication — a move signaling that he is considering a guilty plea.

Carballo Jr. and his co-accused, Christopher Pitts Jr., appeared before Justice Nigel Pilgrim on Tuesday in connection with Swift’s April 27, 2023 murder in Belize City.

During the hearing, Carballo’s attorney, Nazira Myles-Espat, informed the court that she had recently been able to review the complete disclosure and requested a sentencing indication on behalf of her client.

A sentencing indication would give Carballo an idea of the sentence the court could impose should he decide to plead guilty to murder. No guilty plea was entered on Tuesday.

Justice Pilgrim adjourned the matter to October 8, 2026, when he is expected to give the indication. The Crown has been ordered to file agreed facts by October 5.

Pitts, who is represented by attorney Andrew Bennett, remains jointly charged with Carballo.

Swift, 30, was fatally shot on Antelope Street shortly before 8 p.m. on April 27, 2023. Contemporary reports said he was standing near his home when two men on a motorcycle opened fire. Swift was struck in the arm and neck and died from his injuries.

Police pursued the fleeing motorcycle, and a 9mm pistol and the motorcycle were recovered after the suspects reportedly fell from the bike and escaped on foot.

Carballo was arraigned for Swift’s murder on May 2, 2023, while Pitts was charged several days later on May 8. The pair were subsequently indicted jointly for murder before the High Court in 2025 and initially pleaded not guilty.

The case returns to court next week for Carballo’s sentencing indication.

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