BELIZE CITY, BELIZE – February 16, 2026 – Two teenagers are now in custody following a violent shooting incident that left a security guard injured outside JL’s Quick Loan establishment last week. Eighteen-year-old Kriston Fernandez and a sixteen-year-old minor, whose identity remains protected due to his age, have been formally charged with attempted murder and multiple firearm offenses.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when police officers patrolling Youth for the Future Drive responded to reports of gunfire in the Cleghorn Street area. According to ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer, the responding units observed two male individuals fleeing from the direction of North Front Street across the BelChina Bridge.
During the pursuit, both suspects were apprehended near West Collet Canal where they were seen discarding firearms. The weapons were subsequently recovered and identified as property belonging to the security company employed by JL’s Quick Loan.
The victim, forty-nine-year-old security guard Justo Pineda, sustained gunshot wounds but is currently recovering from his injuries. Investigation reveals that the two assailants approached the financial establishment and fired multiple shots before attempting to flee with the security guard’s firearms.
Fernandez, who was previously arraigned on unlicensed firearm charges, has been remanded to Belize Central Prison. During initial questioning, he reportedly claimed he carried the weapon due to ongoing threats and the murder of his mother. The minor is being held at Wagner’s Youth Facility.
With the charges deemed too serious for bail consideration, both defendants are scheduled to reappear in court on April 16, 2026. Police authorities indicate that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues to determine the precise motives behind the violent attack.