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.
Crime & Violence
San Pedro tour guide arraigned for sexual assault
33-year-old Demas Alfredo Mejia, a tour guide of San Pedro Town has been charged for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman. Mejia appeared at the Belize City Magistrate Court on Monday, July 8th before Senior Magistrate Tricia Pitts-Anderson.
Crime & Violence
Ernesto Caliz remanded for sexually assaulting a minor
64-year-old San Pedro Resident Ernesto Caliz has once again been accused of sexually assaulting a minor. This is the second reported case of Caliz sexually assaulting a minor. In December of 2016, he was charged for molesting a 3-year-old child.
Crime & Violence
San Pedro resident Raymond Lamb remanded for burglary
32-year-old Raymond Lamb of San Pedro Town is behind bars at the Belize Central Prison after he was arrested for stealing jewellery and valuables worth more than $40,000 from a hotel on the island. Lamb was tried in Belize City’s Magistrate Court as San Pedro Town’s Magistrate was not in office.