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.
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.