Miguelito Encalada convicted of a 2023 double murder

A Ladyville barber accused of killing his common-law wife and younger brother before posting a photo of the gruesome scene to social media has today been found guilty of double murder.  Miguelito Encalada was convicted this afternoon by Justice Candace Nanton for the April 20, 2023 shooting deaths of Desiree Elizabeth Gonzalez and George Vincent Rochester. The killings occurred at Encalada’s establishment on Scissors Tail Street in the New Site area of Ladyville.  Justice Nanton took less than five minutes to deliver her verdict after Encalada was escorted into the prisoner’s dock shortly after two o’clock. In handing down the guilty verdict on both counts of murder, the judge indicated that a detailed written ruling outlining the factors considered in arriving at her decision would be issued within the coming week.  The courtroom was packed with relatives from both families, including Encalada’s mother and uncle, as well as members of Gonzalez’s family. While emotions ran high inside the courtroom, family members declined to comment publicly after the verdict was delivered.  The prosecution’s case centered on forensic and ballistic evidence, along with statements made by Encalada during the investigation. Crown Counsel Glenfield Dennison and Joseph Perez led the prosecution on behalf of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.  During the trial, the court heard testimony from Corporal Kevin Broaster of the Firearm Section, who confirmed that a nine-millimeter pistol linked to the murders was legally licensed to Encalada in November of 2022. The court also heard evidence from forensic analyst Sherilee Lino, who testified that ballistic fragments recovered from the scene matched Encalada’s licensed firearm.  Justice Nanton had earlier ruled that certain video recordings and notes of evidence were admissible during the trial. However, the court excluded an alleged oral statement made by Encalada at the crime scene in which he reportedly told police, quote, “My gun is there.”  In his defense, Encalada gave an unsworn dock statement in which he claimed armed men invaded his establishment while he was asleep after drinking heavily. He alleged the intruders stole his firearm, forced him to lie on the ground, and later killed his wife and brother while sparing his life.  Encalada told the court that he woke up to gunshots and confusion inside the building and later discovered his loved ones lying motionless on the floor. He insisted he had nothing to do with the murders and maintained that he was innocent of the crimes.  Justice Candace Nanton has adjourned sentencing until July 20. Ahead of sentencing, the court ordered several reports, including a psychiatric evaluation, a social inquiry report, antecedent history, a prison report, and victim impact statements from the relatives of both deceased persons.  The judge also directed the prosecution to file sentencing submissions by June 30 and indicated that oral submissions would be heard in open court because the matter involves a capital punishment offense involving two deaths. Defense attorneys are expected to inform the court whether character testimonies will be made on Encalada’s behalf during sentencing proceedings.