Police News

Christian Espat was released without charges on Wednesday, May 31st, after being in police custody as the main suspect in the murder investigation of his ex-partner Mirza Morales. Espat turned himself over to the San Pedro Police in the company of his attorney and family members on Tuesday, May 30th.

The Manslaughter by Negligence case against Canadian national Jasmine Hartin, 33, over the death of Superintendent Henry Jemmott has ended with a sentence requiring her to pay $75,000. Justice Ricardo Sandcroft handed down the sentencing in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, May 31st.  Hartin has 12 months to pay this amount or serve a year in prison. In addition to the fine, Hartin must complete 300 hours of community service at the YMCA Belize and produce a video about the consequences of drinking and making bad decisions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.