Crime & Violence
Family claims wrong suspect charged in San Pedro triple murder
The family of 22-year-old San Pedro fisherman Shelby Jonathan Hernandez, who has been charged in connection with a triple murder on the island, is disputing the allegations, claiming police have arrested the wrong person. Hernandez has been charged with the fatal shooting of Karim Nazim Espat, 28, Oscar Modesto Mas, 35, and Honduran national Yerlin Marisol Bueso Alvarez, 21. He has since been arraigned and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until his next court hearing, scheduled for May 27, 2026.
Crime & Violence
Police increase presence and operations in San Pedro following triple murder
Following a triple murder on Thursday, March 19th, one mile south of downtown San Pedro, police presence on the island has increased with reinforcements from the mainland. The victims, Karim Espat, 29, Oscar Modesto Mas, 35, and 21-year-old Honduran national Yerlin Marisol Bueso Alvarez, were gunned down just before 10PM inside a residence. Police said on Friday, March 20th, that a possible motive is an ongoing rivalry related to drugs.
Crime & Violence
Police detain suspects in San Pedro triple murder
Police have identified three suspects in connection with the triple murder that occurred on Thursday night, March 19th, south of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Authorities responded to a shooting incident at a location known as Mosquito Coast, where they discovered the lifeless bodies of Karim Nazim Espat, 29, and Oscar Modesto Mas, 35, inside an elevated wooden house. A third victim, identified as Honduran national Yerlin Marisol Bueso Alvarez, was found injured. She was transported to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, but later succumbed to her injuries.
Crime & Violence
No arrests made yet following 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.