Community and Society
MS-13 gang members detained in Belize; police ask people to report any suspicious activities
On Monday, May 9th, the Belize Police Department intercepted and arrested members of the Salvadoran gang Mara Salvatrucha 13 or MS-13 in Belize. Four of these gangsters have been arrested, with the last one picked up on Friday, May 6th. As a result, police are on high alert, and their presence in certain areas across the country, like in the Cayo district, has intensified. The public should contact the police if they see any suspicious persons or activity.
Community and Society
Former San Pedro Pirates’ John Kings’ death mourned by sports and music community nationwide
The shooting death of former footballer and artist John King, 28, in Belize City, was felt deeply countrywide, especially in San Pedro Town. King played with the San Pedro Pirates Football Club and was one of their best offensive mid-fielders. He was also passionate about music, and after leaving the island, he ventured into this field, where he produced several recordings that can be viewed on YouTube.
Community and Society
Jasmine Hartin’s Manslaughter by Negligence case moves to Supreme Court
Jasmine Hartin was at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Thursday, March 31st, for a preliminary inquiry of the Manslaughter by Negligence charge against her for the shooting death of police superintendent Henry Jemmott. The PI session inside the courtroom included an overview of the evidence tying Hartin to the incident. A trial will now take place, and Hartin was ordered to present herself at the opening of the next session of the Supreme Court in Belize City on June 13, 2022.
Crime
Julio Rafael Paiz charged with the murder of Hilberto Caliz
On Saturday, December 11th Hilberto Caliz, 36, a carpenter of the San Pedrito area, was ambushed and gunned down just a few feet from his home. The same day police apprehended the gunman, Julio Rafael Paiz, an 18- year-old unemployed Belizean of San Pedro Town. On Monday, December 13th, police formally arrested and charged Paiz for the crime of Murder. He is to be arraigned in Belize City on Tuesday, December 14th.
Crime
Beach brawl involving a group of teenagers’ shocks islanders; no reports made to police
A video showing a group of young men involved in a brawl at the Boca del Rio beach park has gone viral. According to reports, one person was stabbed during the confrontation and transported to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where he was later released. Police are looking into this incident; however, they indicated that no reports had been made by those attacked and hurt.
Crime
Another person arrested and charged for the deadly shooting incident at Cangrejo Caye
A fifth person has been arrested and charged with the shooting incident which occurred on October 2nd at Cangrejo Caye area near San Pedro Town resulting in the death of Jerry Espat. On Monday, October 18th, 31-year-old Carlos Salazar, a fisherman of the San Mateo subdivision was formally charged for the crime of Murder, Attempted Murder, Use of Deadly Means of Harm, and Wounding.
Crime
American developer sentenced to seven years of prison for Placencia International Airport fraud
American developer, 51-year-old Brent Borland, accused of leading a years-long, multifaceted scheme to defraud investors out of more than US$26 million, has been sentenced in a Manhattan, New York, USA federal court to 84 months (7 years) in prison.
Community and Society
Back at the Magistrate Court: Jasmine Hartin trials adjourned
Jasmine Hartin was back at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Tuesday, October 5th, for disclosure on her charge of Manslaughter by Negligence in the shooting death of Superintendent Henry Jemmott. This matter was adjourned to December 9, 2021. Hartin was also provided with disclosure on two additional charges, Possession of a Control Drug and Common Assault. She will return to court regarding these two charges on February 16, 2022.
