Posted: Tuesday, April 29, 2025. 5:49 pm CST.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: The highly anticipated trial of William “Danny” Mason and Ryan Rhaburn for two counts of kidnapping—and an additional charge of blackmail against Mason—officially began on Tuesday before Justice Nigel Pilgrim in the High Court, with strict warnings issued to the media regarding coverage.
Mason, under heavy police escort, arrived at court on Tuesday morning alongside his co-accused, Rhaburn. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the charges related to the alleged 2016 abduction and extortion of Mennonite couple Lloyd and Rosie Friessen. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
A jury comprising five men and four women was sworn in following a detailed selection process, with Justice Pilgrim personally appointing the forelady after jurors were unable to reach a consensus. He emphasized that jurors are judges of the facts and must base their verdict solely on evidence presented in court, warning them against outside influence, including media reports, social media, or conversations about the case.
Justice Pilgrim also issued strong directives to the press, citing the law of contempt of court. Media outlets were told not to report on matters heard in the absence of the jury or publish any prior criminal records of the defendants. Photography or video of jurors is strictly prohibited, and any reporting must focus solely on what is presented before the jury.
The case, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Cheryl-Lynn Vidal, stems from a business dispute that allegedly escalated into criminal acts. According to the Crown, Lloyd Friessen, a grain farmer, paid Mason over $300,000 to facilitate a failed corn transaction. When Friessen sought a refund in May 2016, he and his wife were allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint, tied up, and transported to Mason’s farm. There, they were reportedly threatened and coerced into paying protection money to secure their release.
Taking the witness stand, Lloyd Friessen gave chilling testimony of the abduction, stating that he and his wife were restrained, blindfolded, and later forced to negotiate payments under duress. He described being approached by armed men, stripped of his belongings, and warned not to involve police.
The courtroom remained attentive as Friessen recounted the events in detail, with proceedings resuming in the afternoon after a scheduled lunch break. His testimony is set to continue when the trial resumes tomorrow at 9 a.m.
The court session ended at 4:30 p.m. today, with Justice Pilgrim reiterating the importance of fair and impartial reporting as the case continues before the jury.
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