A 21-year-old Belizean construction worker has been formally charged in connection with a deadly mass shooting that disrupted New Year’s Eve celebrations in Independence Village, Stann Creek District. Santos Absolom Chirinos, a resident of Bella Vista Village, faces charges of murder and escape from lawful custody for the killing of 39-year-old Keith Neal during the December 31, 2025 incident.
The violence erupted at the Feel Good Restaurant and Bar where community members had gathered for holiday festivities. According to police reports, an assailant arrived on motorcycle and opened fire on a specific individual before fleeing the scene. The chaotic shooting left six additional victims wounded from stray gunfire, making it one of the most severe mass shooting incidents in Belize’s recent history.
Eyewitness accounts describe moments of confusion as attendees initially mistook the gunshots for firecrackers. One surviving victim recounted realizing he had been shot only upon noticing blood, highlighting the sudden and unexpected nature of the attack.
The deceased victim, Keith Neal, was transported from Southern Regional Hospital to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. His sister Shannon Neal remembered him as a humble man deeply devoted to his family, who now seek justice for his tragic death.
Law enforcement officials indicate significant progress in the investigation, having secured surveillance footage from the establishment and identified a potential motive. Authorities continue to seek two additional persons of interest connected to the case as forensic technicians work to transform the chaotic crime scene into concrete evidence.