Tag:
ComPol Chester Williams
Police News
Jasmine Hartin leaves Belize after being temporarily detained for failure to produce fine payment receipt
Canadian national Jasmine Hartin has been released from police custody after being detained for almost 24 hours at the Corozal Town police station. On Tuesday, June 6th, she was detained at the northern border, trying to cross into Mexico with a Canadian emergency travel document. Officers at the border questioned the travel document. They asked Hartin if she had paid the $75,000 fine she had been ordered to pay as part of her May 31st sentencing for the shooting death of Police Superintendent Henry Jemmott. Hartin could not produce a receipt, and thus not allowed to leave the country, and was placed into custody.
Police News
Police Department issues restrictions on the use of firearms for advertising/posting online
The Belize Police Department has issued a memo restricting the use of firearms for advertising and/or making posts on social media. The official note, dated May 30th, was addressed to gun dealers, and expressed concerns about how firearms are used to attract sale. The Belize Police Department set out a stern warning, highlighting that if such behavior continues, it can lead to an arrest and the revocation of licenses.
Police News
Police release Christian Espat after questioning over the murder of Mirza Morales
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.
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.
Police News
Cops removed from San Pedro for misconduct
Two Corporals attached to the San Pedro Police Formation were removed from the island after being accused of misconduct. The Commissioner of Police (ComPol), Chester Williams, confirmed their removal and said it was to maintain good administration in San Pedro.
ComPol added that they aim for the San Pedro Police Station to run in a manner conducive for all working there or visiting the police station to feel comfortable.
Community and Society
Police Press Officer ASP Fitzroy Yearwood passes away
On Tuesday, April 11th, the passing of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fitzroy Yearwood, 47, was revealed to the public after suffering a stroke sometime on Saturday evening. Yearwood was the head of communications for the Belize Police Department (BPD) and presided over the daily police press briefings with the media.
Business & Economy
Amended liquor licensing regulation allows sale of alcohol on Good Friday Â
The banning of alcohol sales on Good Friday may now be considered a thing of the past following the amendment to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Regulation passed in December 2022. As per the amendment to that Statutory Instrument (SI) and explained by Commissioner of Police (ComPol) Chester Williams on Wednesday, April 5, the change in the law allows establishments to sell alcohol as usual. However, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) issued a note prohibiting the sale of liquor on Good Friday until 8PM. According to local authorities, this allows traditional church services/activities to occur throughout the day.
Crime & Violence
Paguada and Salazar arraigned for Murder; police looking for third suspect Alfredo Trapp in tourist murder
Delson Paguada and Lucio Salazar were arraigned on Tuesday, January 3rd, in Belize City for the shooting death of American tourist J’Bria Michelle Bowens. Both were charged with Murder and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until their next court date on March 3, 2023. The Belize Police Department also released the image of islander Alfredo Trapp wanted for questioning in Bowens’ death. Bowens, a nursing student, was vacationing in San Pedro Town with her family when she was caught by a barrage of bullets on Friday, December 30th, outside Jaguar’s nightclub.
