Crime & Violence
American nursing student visiting San Pedro killed in tragic shooting incident
An unexpected shooting incident at San Pedro’s central park on Friday, December 30th left an American nursing student dead. The deceased was identified as 23-year-old J’Bria Michelle Bowens from Indianapolis, IN, USA. Bowens, who it is believed was not the intended target, was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, but was pronounced dead on arrival. San Pedro police have a couple of persons in custody, while Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams has travelled to the island to coordinate the policing efforts to make an arrest in connection with this serious incident that threatens the island’s strongest income earner-tourism.
Crime & Violence
Trio charged with Wounding in alleged hate crime
On Tuesday, December 20th, Alexis Copo, 24, Victor Carillo, 19, and Lorenzo Menjivar, 35, were jointly charged with the crime of Wounding after being accused of attacking and causing severe injuries to islander Aron Aidan Castillo. Copo was additionally charged with Driving with No Care and Attention and Damage to Property. The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges, were offered bail of $2,000 plus one surety, and must return to court on February 16, 2023.
Crime & Violence
Caretaker survives aggravated burglary and kidnapping in north Ambergris Caye
Belizean caretaker 68-year-old Salmon Sealy from the Tranquility Bay area, 15 miles north of San Pedro Town, is lucky to be alive after being...
Crime & Violence
American fugitive apprehended in Caye Caulker will be repatriated to the US
On Tuesday, December 6th, a United States (US) citizen, Aldrick Scott, 47, from the state of Nebraska, was detained in Caye Caulker and escorted by Interpol members to the mainland. Scott is the main suspect in the kidnapping of a woman in Omaha, Nebraska. After being processed in Belize, Scott will be transported back to his country to face the law.
Crime & Violence
No one charged for Elvis Polanco’s murder
On November 19th, San Pedro Town experienced the first murder in over a year after island businessman Elvis Polanco, 43, was gunned down in an attempted robbery. Since then, the police have continued investigating, but no one has been held liable for Polanco’s murder. On Monday, November 28th, Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams said a major crime team was dispatched to San Pedro to investigate the unfortunate incident further.
Crime & Violence
Suspects in the murder of filmmaker Richard Foster acquitted
In August 2018, Police in Belmopan City reported the discovery of the lifeless body of renowned British filmmaker residing in Belize, Richard Foster. According to the police report, he had been reported missing by his wife. His body was found in the Rivera area of Belmopan with multiple stab wounds and head injuries. Days later, police arrested and jointly charged Andrew Clark, Derwin Lincoln Jones, and Edmond Anthony Pascasio for murder and were remanded. Four years later, they were acquitted of Foster’s murder due to a lack of evidence.
Crime & Violence
Marcial Westby continues to recover after stabbing incident; how you can help
The island community is joining forces to help fellow islander Marcial Westby with medical expenses after he was attacked on Saturday, November 19th, as he reportedly was heading home. Westby was stabbed and had to be airlifted to Belize City, where he remains in intensive care. A Go Fund Me page has been created where anyone able and willing can visit to help, https://gofund.me/b509224f.
Crime & Violence
Murder suspect charged for Possession of Unlicensed firearm
The shooting death of island businessman Elvis Polanco is a daily topic in San Pedro Town as friends and relatives mourn his death. Police detained two suspects, one an interdicted police officer and the other an x-cop, but there have been no charges for the crime. However, one of the suspects, 32-year-old Paul Mortis, was charged and remanded for the Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm.
