Punta Gorda, Belize – Following an intensive two-day investigation, local authorities have formally charged 25-year-old Keron George Augustine, a barber from Seine Bight Village, with the double murder of two men in a residential shooting incident. The tragic event unfolded on the evening of February 7th outside a Queen Street residence, sending shockwaves through the community.
According to official police reports, the victims—24-year-old Luis Barillas and 43-year-old Derrick Arnold—were engaged in social activities at Barillas’ home when the assailant approached the property’s perimeter. The gunman reportedly called out for Barillas from the gate, prompting both men to approach the front yard. Without warning, the attacker unleashed a barrage of gunfire, striking both victims multiple times.
Medical examinations confirmed Arnold sustained numerous gunshot wounds throughout his body, while Barillas suffered fatal injuries to his head and facial area. Despite emergency response efforts, both men succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Law enforcement officials disclosed that multiple investigative angles are being pursued, including possible connections to local drug trafficking operations and the mysterious disappearance of Canadian citizen Alfred Pliel. The complex nature of these potential motives suggests deeper criminal undercurrents in the area that may have contributed to the violent outbreak.
The community of Punta Gorda remains on edge as authorities continue their investigation into this brutal double homicide, which represents one of the most severe criminal incidents in the region this year.