The former police, José Rubén Pozzo López, Santos Arnulfo Padilla Rodríguez, Wilson Roberto Córdova Rodríguez, and Gabriel Donatilo Marcía Hernández, were presented to the trial court at about 2: 00 pm with their defenders, Plinio Consuegra and Héctor Durán.

The Director of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH – Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras), Julieta Castellanos, has demanded due diligence in this case, and been outspoken on the handling of this crime by the police authorities. Castellanos has since pursued justice for others, and founded a watchdog organization that exposes abuses and corruption by officials.

Ms. Castellanos’ 22-year-old son Rafael Alejandro was studying law, and his 24-year-old friend, Carlos David was finishing a degree in sociology.  Ms. Castellanos and Aurora Rodriguez, mothers of the slain young men, attended the ruling.

The four defendants were convicted of two counts of murder each, carrying a sentence between 20-30 years in prison, and one charge each of abuse of authority, which incurs a penalty ranging from three to six years in prison.  Applying the maximum penalty, the pair faces 66 years in prison each.

The sentencing hearing is set for September 11, 2013 at 1:30 pm.  The convicted men were sent to the Marco Aurelio Soto National Penitentiary in Támara, Francisco Morazán, Honduras.

The public is expecting the maximum ruling for these murderers, as the police officers involved were in trusted positions of authority, yet took part in the senseless execution of two unarmed youths who had not committed any crime.

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