Crime & Violence
Christian Espat, person of interest in Morales murder, hands himself over to Police
Just after 2PM, on Tuesday, May 30th, Christian Espat walked into the San Pedro Police Station and handed himself over to the authorities after hearing he was a person of interest in the murder of his ex-partner Mirza Morales. Espat was accompanied by his common-law wife, parents, and an attorney. He stated that he handed himself in in an effort to clear his name, as he had nothing to do with Morales’ execution.
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.
Community and Society
Northern Police sub-station gets a mobile phone line
During the public meeting held on May 17, 2023, in a community ten miles north of San Pedro Town, residents complained that the recently opened police sub-station did not have a telephone number making it difficult to report incidents or emergencies. This concern was noted by San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) members and Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez, who hosted the gathering and committed to solving the issue. The solution came promptly on Monday, May 22nd, when SPTC announced that a dedicated phone line had been secured for the northern police sub-station. Residents living in and around that area can now contact the police substation at the mobile number 674-3003 and be part of the WhatsApp group created for members of that northern community through the same number.
Community and Society
SPTC and Area Representative hold public meeting with residents of northern Ambergris Caye
On Wednesday, May 17th, a public meeting was held in a community ten miles north of San Pedro Town by the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) and Area Representative Honourable Andre Perez. The gathering saw dozens of people living in this island area and engaged the local authorities to discuss their needs and concerns.
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.
Police News
Over $30K missing from San Pedro Solid Waste Management Authority
The San Pedro Police formation is investigating a matter at the island’s Solid Waste Management Authority branch in which $30,335 is missing following an audit. The audit was on the tipping fees collected from customers at the San Pedro transfer station from March 4, 2022, to February 15, 2023.
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.
