The tranquil facade of Ambergris Caye has been shattered by a brazen triple murder that has plunged the island community of San Pedro into a state of heightened tension and fear. Authorities are now engaged in a critical race against time to prevent retaliatory violence between warring drug factions following the execution-style killings on March 20, 2026.
The victims—identified as 29-year-old fisherman Karim Espat, 35-year-old carpenter Oscar Mas, and 21-year-old Honduran national Yerlin Alvarez—were ambushed inside a residence in the Mosquito Coast area by multiple assailants. According to police reports, three hooded gunmen approached the property through a nearby landfill around 9:30 p.m. before storming the yard and unleashing a barrage of gunfire in what investigators describe as a targeted attack.
Assistant Commissioner Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed that Espat was the primary target of the assault, citing an ongoing and volatile rivalry between drug trafficking organizations operating on the island. The Espat family name has been repeatedly connected to violent incidents and gang-related investigations in San Pedro over recent years, with Karim Espat himself having faced multiple previous charges. His brother, Christian Espat, is currently remanded for a separate triple murder case.
In response to the escalating crisis, police have implemented emergency security measures, including the deployment of additional personnel from the major crimes team and the establishment of intensified armed patrols across the island. Several suspects are already in custody as investigators work to unravel the precise circumstances surrounding the attack.
The community remains gripped by apprehension, with residents expressing concerns about potential retaliation and further violence. Senior police commanders, including Deputy Commissioner Alden Dawson and Senior Superintendent Raymundo Reyes, have convened at the San Pedro Police Station to coordinate the security response and investigation efforts.
This incident represents one of the most severe outbreaks of violence to affect the island in recent months, highlighting the persistent challenge of gang-related crime even in Belize’s popular tourist destinations. Authorities continue to urge calm while maintaining their heightened security presence across San Pedro.