Crime & Violence
Police searching for a man accused of brutally kidnapping his wife in San Pedro
The police are searching for Kenny Brakeman, who is accused of attacking and kidnapping his ex-wife, Sabela Brakeman, early on Saturday, November 16th. He was last seen in Caye Caulker Village and is now believed to be on the mainland. Sabela was severely injured during the attack and will need to undergo surgery to fully recover. She is seeking the assistance of the public and anyone willing and able can reach out to her sister at telephone number 665-5083.
Crime & Violence
No charges in shooting death of Matthew Moses
Matthew Jonathan Moses, a 46-year-old resident of the island, was shot and killed in northern Ambergris Caye on November 8th. According to the police, they received reports about the incident, which is believed to have resulted from a disagreement between Moses and a property caretaker. It was alleged that Moses was acting aggressively toward the caretaker when he was shot. The police detained the property caretaker, who holds a licensed firearm, but he was later released. Authorities await instructions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before levying charges.
Crime & Violence
Fishermen attacked; boat set on fire in northern Ambergris Caye
An incident occurred on Wednesday, July 31st, in northern Ambergris Caye, where two fishermen were attacked and their boat set on fire. One of the fishermen, Eliezer Aldana reported that he and another colleague were fired upon by a group of individuals in another boat but were not injured. The police have launched an investigation and are searching for the suspects involved in the attack.
Crime & Violence
San Pedrito shooting remains under investigation
San Pedro Police continue investigating a shooting in the San Pedrito subdivision, which occurred on Saturday, June 1st, leaving 22-year-old Zulmy Camara injured. One suspect was in custody but later released due to insufficient evidence.
Crime & Violence
Reports of sexual assault on the rise in San Pedro Town
Over the past months, reports about sexual offenses seemed to have slightly increased in San Pedro Town. Three recent events have raised many eyebrows on the island due to their nature. These unpleasant incidents involve incest, the rape of a minor, and a former teacher who was charged with three counts of sexual assault.
Crime & Violence
Anke Doehm receives five-year sentence for Cruelty to a Child in the death of her adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon
Anke Doehm, a 63-year-old American national, was sentenced to serve five years in prison on April 17th at the High Court in Belize City. She was found guilty of Cruelty to a Child in the death of her adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon, who was 13 years old at the time of her death. The sentencing also stated that Cannon was sexually and physically abused and also showed signs of malnourishment. She will be eligible for parole after serving half her sentence at the Kolbe Foundation-Belize Central Prison. As part of her sentence, Doehm is to participate in rehabilitation programs available at the prison.
Crime & Violence
Maynor Ancona charged with Manslaughter by Negligence in the death of American resident Jennifer Griffith
On Thursday, April 11th, based on the advice of Director of Public Prosecution office, San Pedro resident Maynor Rene Ancona, 41, was formally arrested and charged for the crime of Manslaughter by Negligence in the death of American national Jennifer Lynn Griffith. The 46-year-old island resident died on Sunday, April 7th, after she was hit in the head with a conch shell during an altercation the day before with Ancona at a bar ten miles north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye.
Crime & Violence
Two detained following the death of American citizen Jennifer Griffith
San Pedro Police have detained two individuals in connection with the death of Jennifer Lynn Griffith, a 46-year-old American national residing on the island. Griffith was hit in the head with a conch shell during an altercation on Saturday, April 6th, which resulted in her death.
Crime & Violence
San Pedro Police staying vigilant following State of Emergency declared on the mainland
Since March 26th, a state of emergency (SOE) has been implemented in some regions of southside Belize City, Hattieville Village, and Roaring Creek Village in the Cayo District. The motive behind this was to prevent any retaliation following three murders, one of which was a police officer. The police officers and Belize Defence Force soldiers have been targeting possible gang members in these areas. Therefore, many of them have fled to other parts of the country, including San Pedro Town. In the past week, the San Pedro Police Formation detained and removed several of these suspected gang members from the island.
Crime & Violence
Jasmine Hartin’s case on Drug Possession and Common Assault case continues this month
Jasmine Hartin’s legal case for charges of Drug Possession and Common Assault has been adjourned until April 22nd. Hartin was to appear virtually on March 27th, but after learning the prosecutor was on sick leave, the trial was re-scheduled.
Crime & Violence
Anke Doehm starts Cruelty to a Child trial in Belize City
The trial for the criminal case against Anke Doehm for the death of her adopted daughter Faye Lin Cannon started on Wednesday, February 21st, at the High Court in Belize City. Doehm faces a charge of Cruelty to a Child after Cannon was found dead in her bedroom on July 3, 2017, in their apartment north of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye.
