Crime & Violence
American who hijacked plane in Belize was trying to reach Texas
On Thursday, April 17th, the country was shocked when a Cessna 208EX Grand Caravan carrying 14 passengers, including a child, belonging to Tropic Air, was hijacked by a man wielding a knife. The hijacker, Akinyela Taylor, a 49-year-old U.S. citizen, demanded that the pilot take the plane out of the country, specifically to Texas, USA. His demands were not met, and during the ordeal, three individuals were injured. Taylor was ultimately shot and killed by one of the passengers upon landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport.
Crime & Violence
San Pedro man detained for alleged bigamy
On Wednesday, February 5th, San Pedro Police formally arrested and charged 61-year-old Edermillo Javier Azebedo, also known as Edermillo Javier Garcia, with the crime of Bigamy. This arrest followed a complaint from his first wife, who alleges that he secretly married another woman while still legally married to her.
Crime & Violence
Caye Caulker resident charged for assaulting American partner
Leodan Lara, a resident of Caye Caulker, has been charged with Wounding following reports that he assaulted his disabled American partner, Emily Lydon. The incident reportedly took place on Monday, February 3rd, when Lara assaulted Lydon in Caye Caulker. After the incident, Lara was detained and subsequently charged with Wounding. On Wednesday, February 5th, he was taken to San Pedro Town for arraignment. Lara remains in custody at the San Pedro Police Station and was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, February 6th.
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.
