Crime & Violence
12 new Tourism Police Officers for San Pedro Town
In keeping its promise to increase security personnel on the island, the Belize Police Department is sending 12 new Tourism Police Officers to Ambergris Caye.
Crime & Violence
San Pedro residents Melvin Montesino and Silverio Cal remain missing
It has been over a month since San Pedro residents 27-year-old Silverio Cal and 26-year-old Melvin Montesino were reported missing.
Crime & Violence
Ernesto Caliz out on bail after accused of sexually assaulting a minor
Accused pedophile, 64year-old San Pedro resident Ernesto Caliz, is out on bail after he was remanded on July 8th to the Belize Central Prison for sexually assaulting a minor. Caliz had initially failed to meet an $8,000 bail plus two sureties of $4,000 each when he was arraigned at the Belize City Magistrate Court. A week later, he managed to meet bail and is now back in San Pedro Town where he is required to report to the police station every Friday.
Crime & Violence
Still no arrests on murder of Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank; new suspects released
Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. On Monday, July 15th, police informed the media that three new persons were in custody for further questioning. However, they have also been released, and authorities are now back to square one in arresting the criminal(s) responsible for the double slaying.
Crime & Violence
Rafael Ramirez Calderon acquitted in 2015 murder of Dionicio Trujillo murder
Calderon had been serving jail time since 2015 when he and Arvington Neal were jointly charged for murder. After the main witness could not be located for the Supreme Court trial, the case was discontinued, and crown for the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office entered a case of nolle prosequi- a formal notice of abandonment by the plaintiff and acquitting Calderon of the charge.
Crime & Violence
Police officers Leonard Nuñez and Hallet King found guilty of manslaughter in death of Hilberto Sotz
Former Caye Caulker police officers Leonard Nuñez and Hallet King were found guilty and convicted of manslaughter for the death of Hilberto Sotz on Monday, July 15th at the Supreme Court in Belize City. Nuñez and King had initially been charged with murder in connection with the death of Sotz, who perished while under police custody in June 2015.
Crime & Violence
Frank Trapp to be arraigned for theft, abduction and assault
After escaping twice while at the KHMH, Frank Trapp has been re-captured and is under heavily armed guards awaiting arraignment for theft, abduction and assault.
Crime & Violence
Anke Doehm case adjourned to October
American National Anke Doehm was back at the Supreme Court in Belize City on June 18th to finalize her trial on the charge of ‘Cruelty to a Child,’ in connection to the 2017 death of her 13-year-old adopted daughter, Faye Lin Cannon. However, the trial has been extended after Doehm’s case was once again adjourned until October 15, 2019.
