Belizean authorities have achieved a significant development in the high-profile murder investigation of Mark Gabourel, a 55-year-old man killed on January 2nd. Police have apprehended a second suspect, 29-year-old Shaylon Santos, who now faces murder charges alongside previously charged 25-year-old Wilhem Coye from Camalote.
The case has taken a notable turn given Santos’s legal history. He was previously tried for the 2017 homicide of 18-year-old Keonia Ara but was ultimately acquitted in 2022. This prior involvement with the justice system adds complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Minister of Home Affairs and Enterprise Oscar Mira addressed the nation regarding the case, emphasizing the government’s commitment to law enforcement. “We are allocating all necessary resources to pursue these individuals,” Minister Mira declared. “A small criminal element cannot be permitted to hold our nation hostage. We will ensure full enforcement of the law is applied.”
The Minister revealed that surveillance technology played a crucial role in solving this case, noting that cameras installed throughout the capital provided critical evidence. While acknowledging the need for expanded surveillance infrastructure, Minister Mira also highlighted the essential role of community cooperation in law enforcement efforts, criticizing those who witness crimes but only report them on social media rather than to authorities.