Today, there is justice for Laddie.

The verdict in the Crown vs. Kareem Martinez came in at 11:00 am on Friday April 22, 2023 at the Belmopan Supreme Court. Justice Antoinette Moore found him guilty of the manslaughter of 14 year old Laddie Gillet.

The former Corporal of police is now locked up in prison.

The decision was delivered with painstaking detail by Justice Moore who read out the lengthy judgment. That took about an hour, and by the end of it she found Martinez to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Kareem Martinez was declared by the court to be guilty in the Manslaughter of Laddie Gillet, the court decided this based on 5 elements:

First, Laddie Gillett is dead.

Second, he died of harm.

Third, the harm was carried out by Kareem Martinez.

Fourth, that there was no lawful cause for that harm to have been committed.

Fifth, that policemen do not have the authority to detain anyone, anywhere, anytime, for any reason.

For all these reasons Justice Antoniette Moore found Kareem Martinez to be guilty of Manslaughter.

After the court session the family shared their sentiments.

Laddie’s mom shared, “I feel really good that it's finally come to an end that we got justice not only for Laddie, but for all the kids in Belize, for all the Laddie’s in Belize. I'm very grateful to everybody who assisted; the media, Justice Moore, all the police, all the investigators and to our family who have held together were able to keep calm through this very long difficult process and we really feel that justice has not been served and we are very happy."

Regarding the sentence Mrs. Bradley shared, "Oh yes, I will be there. Now, my 5-year-old son is still constantly asking for Laddie every day of his life. The other day he just told me mom can we go up and see if Laddie's bones are still there, because I want to see him one last time.

So, it's been quite difficult. But as a family we are extremely strong, we're getting through it and we have wonderful people - the Belizean community, the kids in this country - everybody who has stood by us from the beginning through the end.

I mean everybody in Belize has given us that strength and Laddie has made such an amazing change in this country. The civilians, the kids in this country are not taking the abuse anymore, they're videoing - it's in the air. So I think that Laddie has already made a huge change and this is what we want and this is what we will continue to fight for, the Justice for Laddie."

Thank You

The Fleming & Bradley Families would like to offer our gratitude to you all, big and small - from near and far - for standing close, sharing the burden, shining the light, and showing the love over these last two years.

Laddie’s case has truly played out that famous quote of Margaret Mead ... “ Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Laddie is already making a difference by letting kids know they have a voice, and deserve respect, security and  justice.

He is already proving that there is justice through the fine and dedicated work of Justice Moore, through his esteemed attorneys, the police forensic team including the head detective, scene of crimes police officers and ballistics expert.

The Future: Working with the Police

The tragedy here is that nothing can bring back Laddie, but a young police officer in his late 20's will more than likely go to prison for an error that could have been avoided had there been proper training and proper management of police officers. The Justice For Laddie Foundation looks forward to creating safe spaces for children, supporting community efforts and working with the Police Department.