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.
Depaz was fatally stabbed on June 30, 2025, following an altercation involving an off-duty police officer. Police said they had been awaiting directives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before proceeding with charges in the matter.
According to the police report, two off-duty police officers, including Urbina, were involved in an altercation with Depaz and his friends. While the officers were in front of a fast-food establishment, Depaz and another male reportedly exited a golf cart, approached the area, and allegedly attacked an individual standing in front of the establishment. The off-duty officers intervened in the ongoing altercation.
During the incident, the two off-duty officers, along with Depaz and his companions, sustained stab wounds. Depaz and the other injured individuals were transported to the Caye Caulker Health Centre. Depaz later succumbed to his injuries at the facility.
The case file was compiled and submitted to the Office of the DPP for further directives. Police stated that, following an extensive investigation, including the review of evidence, the directives issued by the DPP led to Urbina’s arrest and the laying of charges. Police reports indicate that Urbina has since been remanded to the Belize Central Prison.
At the time of the incident, Depaz had recently returned to Belize. His family said he was preparing to enlist in the United States military.
