Crime & Violence

The theft of golf carts in San Pedro Town is becoming a concern for islanders, with reports of many carts stolen over the past few days. They are later found abandoned in remote areas of the island without parts, like the engine, removed. This practice is believed to be related to selling parts on and off the island. The concerned residents hope the police can soon apprehend these thieves and caution others on the island to be vigilant.

On Wednesday, July 3rd, 28-year-old Brian Andrews, 28-year-old Kenyon Moore, 35-year-old Sherwin Moore, and 43-year-old retired Canadian soldier John Roy Smith were arraigned at the Dangriga Magistrate Court for the Sunday mass shooting at the Wabinaha nightclub in Hopkins Village southern Belize. The incident left two dead and eight persons injured. They were all charged with two counts of Murder and remanded to the Kolbe Foundation-Belize Central Prison.

A deadly shooting executed by three men in the Garifuna village of Hopkins in southern Belize shocked many across the country and was condemned by local and governmental organizations. According to authorities, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 31st, leaving two dead and eight injured. The altercation was believed to be triggered by one of the deceased and the shooters. The police have since detained three suspects, and an investigation will be taking place before any charges are levied.

Saturday, May 28th, marked one year since the shooting death of Police Superintendent Henry Jemmott at the hands of Jasmine Hartin, the former partner of billionaire Lord Michael Ashcroft’s son Andrew. The Canadian national is facing a Manslaughter by Negligence charge, and after being back and forth in the Magistrate Court, her case has now moved to the Supreme Court for trial. Hartin insists that she did not murder the senior officer, that it was a terrible accident. Over the weekend, Discovery Plus premiered a documentary featuring Hartin, revealing more details on the mysterious incident. Hartin admits to initially lying to authorities when questioned about the tragic incident but insists that she is no murderer, explaining what occurred in the early hours of that morning.

Leader of the Opposition and the United Democratic Party, Honourable Patrick Faber, announced his resignation on Monday, January 24th, via Facebook. Both concessions are to become effective on January 31, 2022. Faber remains Area Representative for the Collet Constituency in the Belize District.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for the Leader of the Opposition and the UDP Honourable Patrick Faber in response to a domestic violence complaint. His fiancée, Dr. Shanikka Arnold, made a report to police on Wednesday, January 19th alleging that he caused damage to her laptop and assaulted her.

San Pedro Police are investigating an incident on Friday night, December 17th, in the Boca del Rio area when 22-year-old Jose Henriquez was shot when two men opened fire on him, one of them known to the victim. He was treated at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II and later transported to Belize City for further medical attention.

Disclosure in the proceedings regarding Jasmine Hartin's Manslaughter by Negligence charges has been postponed until February 2022, as the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has not forwarded the file necessary.