Cpl. Sanchez laid to rest

Corporal Gavin Sanchez was laid to rest after an official police funeral service was held in his honor yesterday afternoon in Belize City. The ceremony was held at the Open Door Ministry Church on Muhammad Ali Street in the Port Loyola area. Magistrate Emerson Banner gave the official remembrance while Corporal Sanchez’s close friend Sergeant Nicolas Palomo gave a personal remembrance. Following the service – there was an official procession to the Lord Ridge Cemetery led by the Lodge Hall, followed by the police marching band. Corporal Sanchez’s flag was draped over the coffin and there was an assembly of police officers from all police formations led by Commissioner Crispin Jeffries.
Corporal Sanchez’s death continues to stir controversy since as reported Dr. Mario Estradabran’s autopsy report concluded that Cpl. Sanchez was shot 9 times – including more than once to the head. The case file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. In the interim, Sgt. Paulino Reyes has been placed on “administrative leave”.