A shocking daytime shooting in Belize, the nation’s former capital, has resulted in formal attempted murder charges against a 21-year-old suspect, law enforcement officials confirmed Thursday. Jadon Young is now facing two criminal counts: attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm, in connection with the shooting of 25-year-old Maleek Sutherland earlier this week.
According to initial police accounts, the attack unfolded as Sutherland, a resident of Bermudian Landing Village, traveled to his regular workplace. As he moved through the area, an unmarked SUV pulled alongside him, and a person identified as a passenger in the vehicle opened fire multiple times. Sutherland was struck by gunfire during the assault and was quickly rushed by emergency responders to a local medical facility for urgent treatment. As of the latest update, no further details on Sutherland’s current condition have been released by authorities.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith noted that investigative teams are actively working to map out a clear motive for the brazen public shooting. Smith added that sensitive case details will only be released to the public at a time when it does not jeopardize ongoing investigative work, declining to share additional information on potential connections between the suspect and victim or any gang or personal links that may be under review.
The case marks the latest high-profile violent incident to draw public attention to violent crime in the former capital region, with local law enforcement continuing to advance the court process following Young’s charging.