Crime & Violence
San Pedro resident Alvaro Tun charged with the death of Elder Arana
Islander 32-year-old Alvaro Luis Tun was arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Tuesday, March 7th, for the death of 29-year-old Elder Arana. Although Tun claims he is innocent, he is charged with Murder. No plea was taken, and bail was denied. Tun has been remanded to the Kolbe Foundation-Belize Central Prison, and his next court date is set for May 31, 2023.
Crime & Violence
More island youth charged and remanded for gang affiliation
Over the past few weeks, police have arrested and charged several San Pedro youths for affiliating with local gangs. Recent court reports indicate that two more young islanders, Michel Deon Gamboa and Steven Vernon, both from the San Juan subdivision, have been remanded for this offense within the first week of 2023.
Crime & Violence
Suspects in tourist death in San Pedro all previously charged with murder
Two islanders, Delson Paguada and Lucio Salazar, were arraigned on Tuesday, January 3rd, for the December 30th shooting death of American tourist J'Bria Michelle Bowens in San Pedro Town. A third person, Alfredo Trapp, is wanted for questioning by police. One thing this trio has in common is that they have all faced Murder charges in the past. However, each has managed to get out of imprisonment in one way or another.
Crime & Violence
Paguada and Salazar arraigned for Murder; police looking for third suspect Alfredo Trapp in tourist murder
Delson Paguada and Lucio Salazar were arraigned on Tuesday, January 3rd, in Belize City for the shooting death of American tourist J’Bria Michelle Bowens. Both were charged with Murder and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until their next court date on March 3, 2023. The Belize Police Department also released the image of islander Alfredo Trapp wanted for questioning in Bowens’ death. Bowens, a nursing student, was vacationing in San Pedro Town with her family when she was caught by a barrage of bullets on Friday, December 30th, outside Jaguar’s nightclub.
Crime & Violence
Islanders Lucio Salazar and Delson Pagoda charged with the murder of American student J’Bria Michelle Bowen
On Sunday, January 1st, police provided an update on the shooting death of American nursing student J'Bria Michelle Bowens, 23, which occurred on Friday...
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...
