Thursday, March 28, 2024

Crime

Family shocked following his death at SP police cell; who was Eric Gutierrez

Although his death was ruled a suicide, the family of 30-year-old Eric Gutierrez is waiting to hear the results of a post-mortem to determine...

Past island investor’s company in the U.S. raided in alleged Ponzi scheme

The company of a Steve Parish in Kansas, United States (U.S.), which relates to real estate deals in Belize, has reportedly been raided and shut down. According to reports, a restraining order was issued for possible links with an alleged fraudulent investing scam. Parish was not found during the raid, and while U.S. authorities claim that he did business in Belize, the only records showing such a name was an unauthorized construction development on the northwestern part of Ambergris Caye, near Secret Beach. The project was issued a cessation order from the Mining Unit in November 2019 after discovering that the high scale dredging within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve (HCMR) had no permits.

Police officers arraigned for Derrick Uh’s death released on bail

n Thursday, August 18th, four police officers accused of being responsible for the death of 20-year-old Derrick Uh were prosecuted for the charge of Manslaughter at the Corozal Magistrate Court in northern Belize. The four officers include Inspector Isaias Sanchez, Sergeant Rosario Romerio, and PCs Errol Peralta and Alrick Borland.

Tracey Betancourt and Leon Walford found guilty of Lamont Lipka’s murder

On Thursday, July 28th, the trial against San Pedro resident Tracey Betancourt and Leon Walford ended with a guilty verdict at the Belize Supreme Court. The two were charged with the murder of Lamont Lipka. According to reports from the court hearing, Betancourt is reportedly out on bail and was a no-show for her ruling. A bench warrant for Betancourt's arrest was issued.

Trial beings at Supreme Court for San Pedrano David Gonzales Charged with Murder

Information from the Supreme Court in Belize City indicates that the trial of island resident David Gonzales, accused of killing his wife Marisela Gonzales in October 2020, has begun. The trial reportedly started on Thursday, July 21st, with a case management conference. According to the reports, the court session included announcing over 40 witness statements as evidence. After the case management session, the trial was adjourned to September 29, 2022.

Belize Upgraded in Human Trafficking Rank

On July 19, 2022, the United States’ Secretary of State released the 22nd Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) and upgraded Belize’s status to Tier 2. “The 2022 TIP Report assesses the anti-trafficking efforts of 188 governments. Countries assessed as fully meeting the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking are placed on Tier 1.  Countries assessed as not fully meeting the minimum standards, but making significant efforts to meet them, are placed on Tier 2 or Tier 2 Watch List.  Countries assessed as not fully meeting the minimum standards and not making significant efforts to do so are ranked Tier 3.” 

Jasmine Hartin detained on allegations of hit on ComPol and a Magistrate

Canadian national Jasmine Hartin, accused of killing Police Superintendent Henry Jemmott, was taken into police custody for possibly being involved in a hit against Commissioner of Police Chester Williams and a Magistrate. Hartin denies the allegation saying that a disgruntled former maintenance worker made up the story. She has been transported to Belize City for questioning as the investigation continues.

Australian woman and Mexican partner go missing in Yucatan; partner believed to be in Belize

Authorities have reason to believe that Astudillo, partner of missing Australian national 32-year-old Tahnee Shanks, may be in Belize.