A domestic altercation in Belize City escalated into a violent assault in the early hours of Sunday, January 19, 2026, leaving one woman critically injured and another in police custody. The incident occurred at a residence on Central American Boulevard shortly after midnight.
According to official reports from the Belize Police Department, authorities were notified of a stabbing incident through emergency channels. Upon arrival, officers discovered 36-year-old Samira Gentle unconscious and suffering from multiple severe chop and stab wounds. Emergency medical services promptly transported her to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where she remains in critical condition.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, serving as Staff Officer, provided details of the ongoing investigation. “Scenes of crime technicians have processed the location and retrieved items of evidential value,” Smith stated. “Our preliminary investigation indicates that Gentle was at the residence when a verbal dispute escalated into physical confrontation, resulting in her injuries.”
Police have detained a person of interest described as the victim’s former partner. The suspect, reportedly intoxicated at the time of arrest, has not yet been formally charged due to her inability to cooperate with investigators. ASP Smith confirmed that charges would be considered once the individual becomes coherent enough to provide a statement.
The case continues to develop as investigators work to reconstruct the events leading to the violent outbreak. This incident marks another serious case of domestic violence in the region, highlighting concerns about alcohol-fueled conflicts turning lethal.