The southern Belize community of Dangriga remains in a state of profound grief following the fatal shooting of prominent local resident Bernaldo ‘Sparrow’ Gorosica. The thirty-nine-year-old was ambushed near the Riverside area on Friday evening, with witnesses reporting approximately ten gunshots that left him deceased at the scene.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, preliminary investigations indicate Gorosica was walking along South Riverside Street when assailants traveling in a grey/silver Chevrolet vehicle without license plates opened fire. A subsequent police operation led to the interception of the suspect vehicle near Dangriga’s outskirts, though one occupant managed to escape into nearby vegetation. Law enforcement has since impounded the vehicle, identified the registered owner, detained one individual for questioning, and continues searching for another person of interest.
The tragedy has left Gorosica’s family devastated, particularly his common-law wife Shantel Waight, who was preparing dinner when notified of the incident. She remembers him as an exceptionally generous man who consistently prioritized others’ needs. ‘Everywhere Sparrow goh, Sparrow the laugh,’ Waight recalled, emphasizing his ever-present smile and willingness to help friends regardless of personal circumstance.
Monique Gorosica, the victim’s sister, described her brother as charismatic and joyful, noting his tendency to playfully jump into her lap despite his age. The nickname ‘Sparrow’ originated from his childhood pet dog and remained with him throughout his life due to his popular reputation within the community.
While family members express their faith in divine justice, they simultaneously hope for earthly accountability through the ongoing police investigation. The shooting marks the second major violent incident in southern Belize within days, following Saturday’s double homicide in Punta Gorda’s Queen Street area.
The tragedy leaves five children without their father, compounding the community’s loss. As authorities continue pursuing active leads, residents of both Dangriga and Punta Gorda await answers regarding the recent surge in violence that has shattered multiple families.