Crime & Violence
Belizean- American Lalman Logan acquitted of Christopher Meighan’s 2018 murder
The Meighan family in Caye Caulker was caught off-guard after learning that the person accused of murdering their son, 34-year-old Lalman Logan, was found not guilty of the crime. On Friday, July 14th, Justice Ricardo O’Neil gave his verdict at the Supreme Court in Belize City, acquitting Logan of any charges relating to the Murder of Christopher Meighan.
Crime & Violence
John Hyde Jr. charged for the murder of Floyd Samuels in Caye Caulker
Police have formally arrested and charged 26-year-old John Elwin Hyde Jr. with Murder following the shooting death of Caye Caulker resident, Floyd Samuels, 45. On the night of Saturday, June 3rd, Samuels was shot dead at his residence on Avenida Mangle. According to a police report, two male persons reportedly went to his home to purchase tobacco leaves (‘fonto’) from him. Afterward, neighbors reported that they heard gunshots in the area.
Crime & Violence
Christian Espat, person of interest in Morales murder, hands himself over to Police
Just after 2PM, on Tuesday, May 30th, Christian Espat walked into the San Pedro Police Station and handed himself over to the authorities after hearing he was a person of interest in the murder of his ex-partner Mirza Morales. Espat was accompanied by his common-law wife, parents, and an attorney. He stated that he handed himself in in an effort to clear his name, as he had nothing to do with Morales’ execution.
Crime & Violence
Investigation ongoing in the murder of Mirza Morales; believed to have ties to the 2019 San Pedro Double Murder
Former San Pedro resident, 31-year-old Mirza Morales, was murdered at her business establishment, La Casona Restaurant and Bar, at El Progresso (Seven Miles) in the Cayo District over the weekend. According to police reports, the incident seems to have been a targeted attack, as no signs of a robbery were observed. Before relocating from San Pedro Town, Morales was the partner of tour guide Mario Graniel who, along with American tourist Dr. Gary Swank, was shot dead during a fly-fishing trip.
Crime & Violence
The murder trial for David Gonzales continues at the Supreme Court
The murder trial of 32-year-old David Gonzales continued this week at the Supreme Court in Belize City. Accused of murdering his wife, Marisela Gonzales, back in October 2020, Gonzales’ trial began on July 21, 2022, with the announcement of over 40 witness statements as evidence.
Crime & Violence
Caribbean Chicken in Escalante, south of San Pedro burglarized
San Pedro police continue investigating a burglary incident at the Caribbean Chicken branch on the island. According to an official report, the business in the Escalante subdivision was burglarized over the weekend when assailants broke into the place and took a safe containing an undisclosed amount of cash.
Crime & Violence
Leon Walford gets life sentence for the death of Lamont Lipka; Tracey Betancourt still on the run
On Monday, April 24th, Leon Walford, 38, was given a life sentence after he was found guilty of murdering San Pedro businessman American national Lamont “Monty” Edward Lipka in 2018. Walford and islander Tracey Betancourt were found guilty of the crime in July 2022. However, Betancourt remains at large.
Crime & Violence
Jerry Espat’s accused killers offered bail
Gabriel Salazar and Carlos Salazar were offered bail after they appeared at the Supreme Court in Belize City. Gabriel appeared on April 20th and Carlos on the 21st. Both are facing charges for the October 2021 shooting death of Jerry Espat.
