Police News
Alvaro Tun acquitted of Elder Arana murder
On February 22, 2025, a court ruling acquitted Alvaro Tun, a 34-year-old resident of San Pedro, of the murder charge related to the death of Elder Arana. This case attracted considerable attention due to its circumstances. The events leading to the trial began on March 5, 2023, when Arana was fatally stabbed during a bar fight in San Pedro. Throughout the legal proceedings, Tun maintained his innocence.
Police News
Police investigate the deaths of three tourists on Ambergris Caye
Three American women were found dead in their hotel room in San Pedro Town on Saturday, February 22nd, just before noon. Police identified the women as Katoutar Naqqad, 23, Imane Mallah, 24, and Wafae El-Arar, 26. All three were U.S. nationals born in Morocco. Preliminary investigations suggest no foul play, and a police report indicated that the physical appearance of froth around their mouths suggested the possibility of a drug overdose.
Police News
Missing San Pedro resident, Carlos Cassanova found dead in Orange Walk
The San Pedro hospitality industry is reeling from the news of Carlos Cassanova's death. The 40-year-old waiter had been missing since February 8th, and his lifeless body was found on Monday, February 17th, near Orange Walk Town in northern Belize. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Business & Economy
Island Woman Remanded on Theft Charges Totaling $516,962.55
34-year-old Bethsa Ramirez was arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Monday, February 17, on a charge of Theft. Ramirez is accused of embezzling over half a million dollars while employed by the development company El Diamante Ltd and Diamante Beachfront Suites. Due to the significant amount of missing funds, Ramirez has been denied bail and is remanded to the Kolbe Foundation at the Belize Central Prison until April 23, 2025.
Police News
Illegal ammunition recovered in northern Ambergris Caye
A total of 72 live rounds of ammunition were discovered in northern San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, on Tuesday, February 11th, during a joint operation conducted by a special operations team and various units on the island. The ammunition was found in an AK-47 magazine containing twelve 7.62mm live rounds, a red box holding twenty-three 5.56mm live rounds, and a 60-round magazine containing thirty-seven 5.56mm live rounds. At the time of the findings, no individuals were present in the area.
Police News
San Pedro fishermen come under fire out at sea
San Pedro Police are investigating an incident that took place on Tuesday, February 11th, when a pair of fishermen reported being targeted in open waters. The islanders informed the police that they were pursued and fired upon while fishing near the Tuffy Channel, south of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Police News
Three men arrested and charged after a gun bust in northern Ambergris Caye
The San Pedro Police Formation arrested and charged three individuals who were found in possession of a 9mm pistol, an AR-15 rifle, and a black SG rifle, along with loaded magazines and additional ammunition. They face the following charges: one count of possession of a prohibited firearm, one count of possession of prohibited ammunition, two counts of possessing a firearm without a gun license, two counts of possessing ammunition without a gun license, and possession of a firearm with a removed serial number.
Crime & Violence
Caye Caulker resident charged for assaulting American partner
Leodan Lara, a resident of Caye Caulker, has been charged with Wounding following reports that he assaulted his disabled American partner, Emily Lydon. The incident reportedly took place on Monday, February 3rd, when Lara assaulted Lydon in Caye Caulker. After the incident, Lara was detained and subsequently charged with Wounding. On Wednesday, February 5th, he was taken to San Pedro Town for arraignment. Lara remains in custody at the San Pedro Police Station and was scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, February 6th.
