Crime & Violence
Juan Novelo Acquitted in Death of Common-Law Wife
On Monday, July 20th, Juan Carlos Novelo was acquitted of the 2023 murder of his common-law wife, Leslie Verde. Verde, a resident of Caye Caulker, was found dead inside her home on November 4, 2023, with injuries that investigators believed were consistent with strangulation. While the court found Novelo not guilty, Verde's family said they do not agree with the verdict and continue to believe he was responsible for her death.
Crime & Violence
Police Investigate Shooting Involving Off-Duty Officer
Police have launched both criminal and internal investigations following a shooting involving an off-duty police officer that left San Pedrito resident Maverick Fuentes with a gunshot wound to his left leg. According to police, the officer intervened while attempting to de-escalate an alleged domestic dispute between Fuentes and his common-law wife, Delia Martinez.
Crime & Violence
Former Caye Caulker Police Officers ordered to serve new prison terms in the Sotz case
Former Caye Caulker police officers Hallet King and Leonard Nuñez have been ordered to return to prison after the Belize Court of Appeal increased their sentences to 10 years and two months for the 2015 manslaughter of Hilberto Sotz. The decision follows a January ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which reinstated the Director of Public Prosecutions' appeal against what it found to be an inadequate sentence.
Crime & Violence
Residents Hold Peaceful Justice March for David Harmouch and Daniel Jones
One week after the fatal shooting of island residents David Harmouch and Daniel Jones, dozens of San Pedro residents gathered on Sunday, July 5th, to peacefully march through the streets of downtown San Pedro, calling for justice and urging authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
Crime & Violence
Several Persons in Custody Following Double Homicide at Island Supermarket
Police in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, are actively investigating the double homicide that claimed the lives of security guard Daniel Jones and Lebanese businessman Yahya Mohamed Harmouch, locally known as David Harmouch, on Sunday night, June 28th. Following the fatal shooting at Island Supermarket, located north of San Pedro Town, police have detained several persons of interest. The business had recently reopened after being targeted in a burglary and arson incident in December 2025.
Crime & Violence
Police Investigating Death of Man Struck with Shovel in Caye Caulker
Police are continuing their investigation into the death of a Caye Caulker resident who was fatally struck on the head with a shovel during a confrontation on the northern side of the island on June 13th. Authorities have identified the deceased as 45-year-old Oscar Genaro Flota and say they are seeking one primary suspect in connection with the incident.
Crime & Violence
Police Await DPP Guidance in Fatal San Pedro Motorcycle Accident
San Pedro police are awaiting guidance from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as they continue investigating the fatal motorcycle accident that claimed one life and injured another on June 11th in downtown San Pedro. Police identified the deceased as 33-year-old Gilberto Ismael Noble, who sustained severe head injuries in the collision. The second victim, 23-year-old Vincent Donaji Canul, suffered a fracture to his right foot. According to police, Canul was operating the motorcycle at the time of the accident.
Crime & Violence
Christian Espat and Michael Brown Stand Trial in 2023 Triple Murder
The High Court in Belize City has set October 13th as the start date for the trial of Christian Espat and Michael Brown, who are currently remanded at the Kolbe Foundation-Belize Central Prison in connection with the 2023 triple murder of Carlos Chi, Delmar Rodriguez, and three-year-old Amarie Rodriguez in San Pedro. The trial will allow two key witnesses to testify virtually after expressing safety concerns to the prosecution and the court.
Crime & Violence
Jaylil Usher Pleads Guilty to Abetment in 2023 Murder of Kean Quiros
Twenty-six-year-old Jaylil Usher, who was previously charged in connection with the 2023 murder of San Pedro resident Kean Jamaal Quiros, entered into a plea agreement with the Crown on June 15th, pleading guilty to abetment to murder. Usher, a former resident of the San Mateo Subdivision, appeared before Justice Nigel Pilgrim in the High Court in Belize City, where he admitted to facilitating the murder of Quiros. Quiros, who was 19 years old at the time of his death, was fatally shot on August 11, 2023, after a gunman allegedly lured him to the front door of his home. The murder case remained under investigation for more than a year before Usher was formally charged on November 29, 2024.
Crime & Violence
Government officials support public Belize Sex Offenders Registry
Following the arrest and charging of a Cayo teacher for assault and rape of a student, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, headed by the wife of the Prime Minister, Her Excellency Rossana Briceno, is once again advocating for the establishment of a national Sex Offenders Registry. The move is being supported by the Ministry of Human Development, as well as current and former Ministers of Home Affairs responsible for the police department.
Crime & Violence
Bartender shot in San Pedro; one person detained
On Thursday, May 7th, 32-year-old bartender Winston Cayetano was shot in the shoulder following an argument with a man on the street. Cayetano was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where he was treated and later released. Police have detained one person as they investigate this latest shooting incident on the island.