U.S. Embassy Looks Out For Eric Volz

A Nashville native accused of murder in Nicaragua is still awaiting the results of his appeal.

Eric Volz, the stepson of Belmont University’s former assistant dean of students, Dane Anthony, was convicted of the murder of a Nicaraguan woman in February.

The United States embassy visits him weekly, working to make sure his rights are respected. He recently complained to the embassy of not having access to medical attention or his attorney.

Marc Meznar is the embassy’s Consul General who monitors rights and conditions within Nicaraguan law.

Meznar says Volz hadn’t seen his lawyer in three months.

“The ambassador and I met with the number one Nicaraguan official who’s overseeing the prison situation and said, ‘Look. This is unacceptable. Anyone who is detained has a right to be able to consult with his attorney especially in this period where it’s leading up to his appeal.’”

Volz met with his attorney that afternoon.

Meznar says as far as the appeal process goes, the embassy can’t interfere with Nicaraguan law, but they can put pressure on the government to make it as transparent and fair as possible.

Volz’s family continues to maintain his innocence. His family and friends held a fundraiser yesterday to help pay legal bills.