Accidents & Disasters
Jessie Smith acquitted of charges in the death of American teenager Logan Pratt
San Pedro tour guide and footballer Jessie Smith, 33, has been acquitted of the charge of Death by Careless Conduct in connection with the February 2023 boat accident that resulted in the death of 17-year-old American student and tourist Logan Ceylon Pratt. Smith appeared at the High Court on Monday, March 3rd, where a jury of nine members found him not guilty of the charge.
Police News
Cause of death for three American tourists in San Pedro linked to pulmonary edema
A post-mortem examination was conducted on Monday, February 24th, to determine the cause of death for the three young American women found deceased at a beach resort south of San Pedro Town. Gian Sho, the Executive Director of the National Forensic Science Service, confirmed that they died from acute pulmonary edema. This condition is caused by excess fluid in the lungs. The next step is to investigate what led to this condition in the young women. A toxicology test is currently pending, and samples collected from the women will be tested in a laboratory in the United States, with results expected within two weeks.
Accidents & Disasters
American woman dies following a diving tour near Ambergris Caye
Police are investigating the death of an American national, Dawn Michele Rhoades, 55, who fell ill during a scuba diving tour near San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Mrs. Rhoades received Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) while being transported back to San Pedro. She was then taken by ambulance to Ambergris Hope Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Police News
Bethsa Ramirez granted bail after charged with Theft
Thirty-four-year-old Bethsa Ramirez is out on bail after spending a few nights in remand at the Kolbe Foundation Belize Central Prison. This followed a ruling by a judge in the High Court. Ramirez was arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on a theft charge on Monday, February 17. She is accused of embezzling over half a million dollars while employed by the development company El Diamante Ltd.
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.
