A night of social gathering at the Hidden Cool Spot bar in Guinea Grass Village, Orange Walk District, descended into fatal chaos on Sunday evening, resulting in the tragic death of an 18-year-old construction worker. Initial reports indicate the violence originated from a dispute involving an unruly patron who was forcibly removed from the establishment by staff.
Rather than de-escalating, the situation intensified when the ejected individual allegedly returned to the premises accompanied by another person and armed with a firearm. Subsequent gunfire penetrated the bar, striking Noe Batun multiple times. Emergency medical response transported the victim first to the Northern Regional Hospital before a critical transfer to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Despite medical intervention, Batun succumbed to his injuries.
Law enforcement, under the direction of Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, has confirmed one male suspect is currently in custody while an intensive manhunt is underway for a second individual. A significant development from the preliminary investigation confirms that at least one of the individuals involved is a licensed firearm owner, raising pertinent questions regarding the circumstances of the weapon’s use.
This incident marks the second homicide from gun violence in the Orange Walk District within a 72-hour period, following the killing of Albertito Pott in his own yard just three days prior. The consecutive tragedies have heightened community concerns regarding public safety and violent crime in the region.