BELIZE – A violent evening unfolded across Belize on February 13th, 2026, with two separate shooting incidents occurring within hours of each other, resulting in two men being hospitalized and multiple suspects detained.
The first episode transpired in the tranquil tourist destination of Caye Caulker Village. At approximately 9:00 p.m., local law enforcement responded to alerts of gunfire in the Bahia precinct. During their investigation, officers intercepted a golf cart en route to the island’s medical facility. Inside, they discovered 22-year-old Dominic Castillo suffering from a severe injury consistent with a gunshot wound to his back.
Mr. Castillo received initial emergency treatment at the Caye Caulker Clinic before being airlifted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City for advanced care. Medical authorities have reported his condition as stable. A significant breakthrough in the case occurred with the confiscation of a loaded 9mm firearm. This led to the immediate apprehension of 29-year-old Javan Moody, who is currently held for questioning regarding the weapon’s involvement.
In a concurrent development, the capital city of Belize witnessed its own act of gun violence. Around 10:00 p.m. on Cleghorn Street, 49-year-old security guard Justo Pinelo became the victim of a shooting. He sustained injuries and was promptly transported to a medical center for treatment. Law enforcement officials confirmed the detention of two juveniles believed to be connected to this assault.
Authorities are actively pursuing investigative leads for both cases but have not indicated any connection between the two geographically distinct events. These incidents have sparked renewed community concern regarding public safety and gun violence in the region.