By Alric Lindsay
Wayne Alphanso Bellafonte Jr appeared in the Grand Court via video link today, January 9, 2025, where he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Mark Andre Ebanks and Eldon Charles Walton (this sentence is subject to a minimum time of 35 years). He also received 22 years for the attempted murder of another man, Mr Alvarez. Lastly, he was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for the possession of an unlicensed firearm. Since all sentences will run concurrently, he will serve at least 35 years.
Background
Giving a summary of the background of the incidents, Justice Richards said that on the night of July 1, 2021, Bellafonte Jr and two other persons travelled in a white vehicle from the Watlers Road area to Martin Drive in the vicinity of the Globe Bar in George Town.
Upon arrival at Globe Bar, Walton and Artega were outside the bar talking.
Bellafonte Jr and two others exited the vehicle, armed with firearms and wore masks.
Reportedly, 31 shots were fired, killing Ebanks on site. Walton died later at the hospital from injuries he sustained.
Regarding Artega, the bullet which hit him entered his lower left back and exited lower down on the right side of his back. He was treated at the hospital and discharged.
Sentencing
After summarizing the case background, Justice Richards set out the sentencing for each offence as follows:
| Description | Sentence |
| Murder of Mark Ebanks | |
| Starting point | 30 years |
| Plus aggravating factors: premeditation, two persons shot | + 6 years |
| Credit for no previous murder convictions | – 1 year |
| Total | 35 years |
| Murder of Eldon Charles Walton | Same as above |
| Attempted murder of Artega | |
| Starting point | 20 years |
| Plus aggravating factors | + 3 years |
| Less mitigating factors | – 1 year |
| Total | 22 years |
| Possession of an unlicensed firearm | |
| Starting point | 10 years |
| Plus aggravating factors | 3 years |
| Less mitigating factors | – 1 year |
| Total | 12 years |
Justice Richards noted that rather than each sentence running one after the other, they will run concurrently, meaning that Bellafonte Jr must serve at least 35 years. The 801 days already spent in custody by Bellafonte Jr will be deducted from the total sentence.
