4 Granted New Trial in Catholic Bishop’s Death
An appeals court granted a new trial to three military officials and a priest convicted in the killing of a Roman Catholic bishop, saying the lower court had not adequately verified a witness’ testimony.
In June 2001, a three-judge panel convicted retired Col. Disrael Lima Estrada; his son, Capt. Byron Lima Oliva; and Sgt. Jose Obdulio Villanueva of the 1998 bludgeoning death of Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi. Each was sentenced to 30 years.
The Rev. Mario Orantes, Gerardi’s assistant, was sentenced to 20 years as an accomplice.
Gerardi was killed days after presenting a report blaming the military for the vast majority of the 200,000 deaths during a 1960-96 civil war.
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