One week after the brutal machete killing of 41-year-old Linden Kelly in Dangriga Town, Belize, no formal charges have been brought against the detained suspects. The attack occurred on December 19th in the Rivas Estate area following an alleged confrontation between Kelly and two assailants.
Kelly’s family has issued an emotional appeal to the Belize Police Department, expressing profound concern over the stalled investigation and the potential danger to community safety. Austin Williams, brother of the deceased, revealed the family’s escalating distress as they prepare for Kelly’s funeral this Sunday.
“We are looking at people who just killed a man and they’re walking around like killing in Dangriga is legal,” Williams stated during a phone interview. He described the devastating impact on the family, particularly their mother who feels unsafe while mourning her son’s death.
Williams acknowledged Kelly’s past legal troubles but emphasized his recent efforts to establish a legitimate business venture. “He was trying to find a way to get it done the right way,” Williams noted, expressing hope that someone might continue Kelly’s entrepreneurial legacy.
The family’s frustration centers on what they perceive as institutional failure within the justice system. Williams reported receiving vague explanations from police blaming the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the delay, leaving the family uncertain about where to direct their concerns.
In their appeal to government officials and police authorities, the family demands improved law enforcement standards in Dangriga, stating: “We’re asking for them to amp up their game. You can’t just have criminals out there on the street.” The case highlights ongoing concerns about criminal justice effectiveness in the region.