Crime & Violence
Juan Novelo Acquitted in Death of Common-Law Wife
On Monday, July 20th, Juan Carlos Novelo was acquitted of the 2023 murder of his common-law wife, Leslie Verde. Verde, a resident of Caye Caulker, was found dead inside her home on November 4, 2023, with injuries that investigators believed were consistent with strangulation. While the court found Novelo not guilty, Verde's family said they do not agree with the verdict and continue to believe he was responsible for her death.
Crime & Violence
Police Investigate Shooting Involving Off-Duty Officer
Police have launched both criminal and internal investigations following a shooting involving an off-duty police officer that left San Pedrito resident Maverick Fuentes with a gunshot wound to his left leg. According to police, the officer intervened while attempting to de-escalate an alleged domestic dispute between Fuentes and his common-law wife, Delia Martinez.
Crime & Violence
Former Caye Caulker Police Officers ordered to serve new prison terms in the Sotz case
Former Caye Caulker police officers Hallet King and Leonard Nuñez have been ordered to return to prison after the Belize Court of Appeal increased their sentences to 10 years and two months for the 2015 manslaughter of Hilberto Sotz. The decision follows a January ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which reinstated the Director of Public Prosecutions' appeal against what it found to be an inadequate sentence.
Police News
Professional Standards Branch Brings Independent Police Oversight to San Pedro
The Belize Police Service's Professional Standards Branch (formerly Internal Affairs) has officially established a presence in San Pedro, with Officer in Charge Corporal Jose Hernandez confirming that the unit is now operational. The branch will handle complaints from residents of both San Pedro and neighboring Caye Caulker. Arrangements are currently underway to establish a permanent office outside of the San Pedro Police Station.
Community and Society
Foundation for Belize Donates Body Cameras and QR Patrol System to San Pedro Police
The Foundation for Belize has donated more than a dozen body-worn cameras to the San Pedro Police Formation as part of an initiative to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public safety on Ambergris Caye. The handover took place on Monday, July 7th, during a formal ceremony in San Pedro Town. The donation was presented by the Foundation for Belize founder, Joseph Cooper, to Officer in Charge Inspector Jorge Lemus and Sergeant Gabriel Martinez, who accepted the cameras on behalf of the patrol officers who will use the equipment.
Crime & Violence
Several Persons in Custody Following Double Homicide at Island Supermarket
Police in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, are actively investigating the double homicide that claimed the lives of security guard Daniel Jones and Lebanese businessman Yahya Mohamed Harmouch, locally known as David Harmouch, on Sunday night, June 28th. Following the fatal shooting at Island Supermarket, located north of San Pedro Town, police have detained several persons of interest. The business had recently reopened after being targeted in a burglary and arson incident in December 2025.
Police News
$6,000 Reward Offered Following Burglary South of San Pedro
The South Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (SACNW) is appealing to the public for assistance following an aggravated burglary at a residence approximately 3.5 miles south of San Pedro Town. The community organization has established an anonymous tip line. It is offering a reward of BZD $6,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible and the recovery of stolen property.
Crime & Violence
Police Investigating Death of Man Struck with Shovel in Caye Caulker
Police are continuing their investigation into the death of a Caye Caulker resident who was fatally struck on the head with a shovel during a confrontation on the northern side of the island on June 13th. Authorities have identified the deceased as 45-year-old Oscar Genaro Flota and say they are seeking one primary suspect in connection with the incident.