Crime & Violence
Police Investigate Armed Robbery at Liquor Store on Coconut Drive
San Pedro Police are investigating a broad daylight robbery at a liquor store located on Coconut Drive on March 5th. Two men wearing ski masks and hooded jackets reportedly held employees at gunpoint and stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the cashier register and a safe. Before leaving the establishment, the suspects locked the staff inside an office. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Crime & Violence
Jorge Valladarez Arraigned for Sexual Assault; Released on Fine
Following an incident on February 8th involving a 24-year-old female receptionist outside a downtown hotel in San Pedro, 18-year-old Jorge Valladarez was detained on March 3rd and later charged with sexual assault. He was arraigned at the Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to the offense.
Crime & Violence
Cop charged in stabbing death of Caye Caulker resident Kevin Depaz
On Thursday, January 22nd, police reported that 20-year-old Police Constable Lionel Rodolfo Urbina was charged with the crime of Murder in connection with the death of 19-year-old Kevin Depaz in Caye Caulker. Urbina was also charged with two counts of Attempted Murder and two counts of Use of Deadly Means of Harm in relation to injuries sustained by Neesean Allen and Julian Canul.
Crime & Violence
CCJ Reinstates Manslaughter Case in Death of Caye Caulker Resident Hilberto Sotz
On January 20th, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) brought renewed attention to the 2015 death of then 18-year-old Hilberto Sotz after reinstating manslaughter charges against two police officers involved in the case. Sotz died while in custody at the Caye Caulker Police Station after allegedly being beaten by police officers Hallet King and Leonard Nuñez.
Community and Society
Belize Authorities Pledge Stronger Protection After Domestic Violence Tragedy
Belizean authorities and government partners have united in condemnation following the brutal killing of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña and her two children, 6-year-old Tishan and 17-year-old Shadia, who perished in a house fire in San Felipe Village, Orange Walk District, on October 20, 2025. Police investigations indicate the blaze was intentionally set by Magaña’s ex-partner, Francisco Godoy, who had a prior history of domestic violence and was released from jail just days before the attack.
Crime & Violence
Major Crimes Up, Domestic Violence Down in Belize’s Third Quarter Report
From July to September 2025, Belize recorded an increase in major crimes and murders, while domestic violence reports showed a notable decline. The Belize Crime Observatory’s latest third-quarter report revealed that the Belize Police Department documented a total of 300 major crimes during this period, 28 more than the same quarter in 2024. These included 21 murders, 14 rapes, 53 robberies, and 167 burglaries. In contrast, domestic violence reports dropped by 16 cases to 333.
Crime
Barrio 18 Gang Leaders Escape Maximum Security Prison in Guatemala; Belize Remains on High Alert
Guatemalan authorities have launched a massive search after 20 high-ranking Barrio 18 gang members escaped from the Fraijanes II Maximum Security Prison on October 11, 2025. The gang, considered one of Central America’s most violent criminal organizations, is designated a foreign terrorist group by the United States. Among the fugitives are several key leaders identified by street names such as “Chucho,” “Cartoon,” “Happy,” “Wicked,” “Smoking,” “Liro Strong,” and “Psycho.”
Crime & Violence
Commissioner Rosado Placed on Leave Pending Full Budna Investigation
On Monday, September 8, 2025, Belize’s Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, was placed on a 45-day leave amid the controversy surrounding the Joseph Budna kidnapping case. The move, unprecedented in Belize’s history, followed Prime Minister John Briceño’s review of an initial investigative report that he deemed “incomplete and unsatisfactory.” The decision has sparked a strong national reaction.
Crime & Violence
Two Minors Charged for Attempted Robbery at Publics Supermarket in San Pedro
A 57-year-old security guard from San Pedro Town continues to recover after being shot during an attempted armed robbery at Publics Supermarket. Police have since charged two minors in connection with the incident, which occurred on September 5 at the store on Coconut Drive.
Crime & Violence
Minor arrested for Backatown shooting
A 16-year-old minor has been arrested and charged with Attempted Murder and Use of Deadly Means of Harm in connection with the August 26 shooting in the Backatown area of San Pedro Town. The early morning incident left 25-year-old Jose Manuel Velasquez injured.
Crime & Violence
No Arrests Made in Backatown Shooting
A San Pedro barber, 25-year-old Jose Manuel Velasquez, survived an early morning shooting on Tuesday, August 26th, in the Backatown area. He was reportedly approached by a known male individual who pulled out a firearm and fired at him, grazing him but causing no fatal injuries. Velasquez was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where he was stabilized and listed in stable condition. Police are investigating the incident but have not yet detained the shooter.
