Police News
Police Make Arrest in Caye Caulker Shooting
29-year-old Caye Caulker resident Jovaun Moody has been formally arrested and charged with keeping a firearm without a gun license, keeping ammunition without a gun license, and possession of controlled drugs following a shooting on the island. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith said the charges stem from an investigation into a shooting that occurred around 8:45PM on February 12, 2026, in the Bahia area of Caye Caulker. During the incident, 22-year-old Dominic Castillo was injured. He was initially treated at the Caye Caulker Health Center before being transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City for further medical care.
Police News
Police Present National Report; Major Crimes Drop in San Pedro
The Belize Police Department reported a 1% reduction in major crimes nationally for 2025, according to figures presented at the National COMPSTAT Meeting held on January 22 at the Police Training Academy in Belmopan. The report showed a decrease from 1,098 major crimes in 2024 to 1,086 in 2025. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, a 10% reduction in major crimes was recorded.
Police News
Former San Pedro High School Teacher Sentenced in Sexual Assault Case
A former San Pedro High School (SPHS) teacher has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault. 47-year-old Alex Noralez was convicted on January 21st of two counts of sexual assault involving minor students. The offenses were reported to have occurred in January 2024. The ruling has generated mixed reactions in the San Pedro community, where Noralez was known for his involvement in music and sports.
Crime & Violence
Cop charged in stabbing death of Caye Caulker resident Kevin Depaz
On Thursday, January 22nd, police reported that 20-year-old Police Constable Lionel Rodolfo Urbina was charged with the crime of Murder in connection with the death of 19-year-old Kevin Depaz in Caye Caulker. Urbina was also charged with two counts of Attempted Murder and two counts of Use of Deadly Means of Harm in relation to injuries sustained by Neesean Allen and Julian Canul.
Police News
Proposed Thirteenth Amendment Withdrawn
The nationwide campaign to promote the proposed Thirteenth Amendment failed to gain public support and was subsequently withdrawn. Government officials have indicated, however, that...
Police News
Caye Caulker to Get New Police Station
The official signing of a contract to construct a new police station in Caye Caulker took place on Tuesday, January 13th, with the participation of Area Representative the Honourable Andre Perez and his Cabinet colleague, the Honourable Oscar Mira, Minister with responsibility for the police. The project is valued at BZ$1.54 million and will be funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration.
Community and Society
Police Outline 2026 Plan After Crime Drop in San Pedro & Caye Caulker
The Division 4 Police Departments, which oversee San Pedro and Caye Caulker, have outlined their first-quarter strategy for 2026, building on a reported ten percent reduction in major crimes in 2025, making Division 4 one of the few jurisdictions nationwide to see an overall decline. The strategy aligns with the national Crime Control and Prevention Strategy 2025–2029. Police priorities for the first quarter include maintaining tourist safety, addressing petty theft, gang activity, drug-related offenses, and traffic violations, while expanding community outreach initiatives.
Police News
Caye Caulker Man Charged After Canadian National Injured
Residents in Caye Caulker are questioning the arrest and charges brought against 19-year-old Nelbert Choc Jr. following an incident in which a 47-year-old Canadian national, Charles Sanford, was injured. Sanford was transported to Belize City, where he is listed in critical but stable condition at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
Police News
Two Charged with Attempted Murder Following Brutal Attack on Businessman
Following investigations into an attempted murder and robbery that occurred on December 17th along Laguna Drive in San Pedro Town, police have arrested and charged island residents Charles Gabriel Sho and Thomas Alfonso Arriola with the crime of Attempted Murder.
Police News
Police Investigate Armed Robbery and Arson at Crown Game Shop
A Chinese businessman was hospitalized following a suspected robbery and arson at the Crown Game Shop on Laguna Drive in San Pedro Town on Wednesday night, December 17th. Police reported receiving information at approximately 10:07PM about a robbery at the Crown Game Shop in the Boca del Rio area.
Crime & Violence
Major Crimes Up, Domestic Violence Down in Belize’s Third Quarter Report
From July to September 2025, Belize recorded an increase in major crimes and murders, while domestic violence reports showed a notable decline. The Belize Crime Observatory’s latest third-quarter report revealed that the Belize Police Department documented a total of 300 major crimes during this period, 28 more than the same quarter in 2024. These included 21 murders, 14 rapes, 53 robberies, and 167 burglaries. In contrast, domestic violence reports dropped by 16 cases to 333.
