George Ignatius Palma, a convicted killer, was sentenced to 159 years and 11 months in prison for the completed murders of Arliene Ramos, Lady Marcela Vargas, and Marta Calvo, as well as for the attempted murder of seven other women. He returned to Justice City this Thursday to receive a briefing regarding the extension of his prison status as the penalty awaits finalization.
Palma arrived at the City of Justice in Valencia shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday, wearing denim jeans and a plaid shirt. The serial killer and inmate refused to speak throughout the brief appearance, which lasted only a short time. When asked if he wished to comment or consult his lawyer, he declined, offering no explanations during the proceedings. The defense requested his release, arguing that with appeals pending, continued precautionary detention should not advance the execution of the sentence.
The court, composed of three magistrates including the judge who presided over the jury and now issued the appealed sentence, indicated that it would publish its decision in the coming days. It is anticipated that the ruling will extend temporary detention further while the appeals proceed.
Given Palma is already in custody, the hearing is largely a procedural formality. Previously, until conviction, his status resembled that of temporary detention, since preventive detention had already been imposed, though it has been appealed in multiple instances. The court is considering three specific charges in connection with the case before the higher tribunal.
Consequently, the hearing held on Friday was convened to determine whether the prison status should be extended again. The case revisits a familiar scenario from December of the prior year when Palma faced a similar extension, pending trial.
The law permits a provisional prison period of up to two years, which may be extended to cover additional time while appeals proceed. That precedent was applied in December 2021, extending Palma’s detention until December 2023 as he awaited trial. The current proceeding mirrors that framework, with the aim of ensuring the defendant remains in custody during ongoing legal processes.
Although the extension will keep Palma in prison during the appellate phase, the law remains subject to procedural changes. If a final conviction is not yet reached, further extensions may be required, depending on the evolving status of the case. The court’s decision will determine whether the temporary detention persists as the legal process unfolds, given the procedural posture and the pending appeals.
The recent hearing also involved the logistical transfer of Palma from Castelló prison to the Valencia City of Justice, a move necessary to enable the proceedings to occur in the appropriate venue. The transfer was completed in advance of the hearing, ensuring Palma’s appearance and the orderly conduct of the judicial process in Valencia.
In summary, the matter remains primarily procedural. The prison status extension sought by the state is intended to prevent any risk while the appeals and final determinations are resolved. The court has signaled that a formal written decision will be issued in the near future, solidifying whether Palma will continue to serve his sentence under extended custody as his appeals proceed. Attribution: reporting from Justice City coverage and court proceedings in Valencia.