In Nicaragua, the Volz case became a tabloid sensation with headlines cheering the near lynching of the Gringo. There were declarative statements from prosecutor Peña labeling Volz’s alibi as false, as well as misrepresenting evidence, demands for “justice,” cries to not let the Gringo buy his way out… On the day before Eric’s preliminary hearing, announcements were made via loud speakers throughout the streets of San Juan encouraging San Juan residents to attend the hearing so they can “Stand up for their rights and bring justice to the gringo. An angry mob, numbering in the hundreds and wielding machetes and clubs, waited outside the courthouse chanting, “Send out the gringo, we’ll kill him!”

There was strong evidence that Mr. Volz wasn’t even San Juan at the time of the crime but was in Managua over two hours away. Judge Ivette Toruño Blanco, however, threw out all the defense evidence, which included testimony of multiple alibi witnesses, cell phone and computer records, signed credit vouchers, and more. Two other men – native Nicaraguans – had also been arrested and charged with the murder and rape but the first judge to hear the case dropped all charges against the two Nicaraguan defendants. The only testimony allowed was from one of the men who had also been accused of the murder and this was used as the sole basis of the conviction. The family of Mr. Volz, with assistance of the State Department, is now trying to arrange an appeal in another city where it is hoped there will be less bigotry towards Americans and the actual facts of the case can be considered.