Belizean law enforcement agencies have launched two parallel investigations into separate shooting incidents that occurred over the weekend, leaving one person dead and two others wounded across different regions of the country.
The first and most fatal of the two attacks unfolded on Saturday evening at around 8:34 p.m. in the western community of Unitedville. According to official police accounts, 25-year-old twin brothers Denvoy Bartley and Delroy Bartley were gathered with a group of people socializing when an unidentified male attacker stepped out from dense nearby brush and opened fire on the crowd, unleashing multiple rounds toward the assembled group.
Denvoy Bartley suffered multiple penetrating gunshot wounds from the attack. Emergency responders rushed him to the Western Regional Hospital, but medical staff pronounced him dead upon his arrival at the facility. His twin brother Delroy also sustained gunshot injuries in the attack, though medical updates confirm he is currently in stable condition as he receives treatment. As of Monday, investigating officers have not released any information about potential motives for the targeted attack on the twin brothers, nor have they announced any arrests or identified persons of interest in connection with the shooting.
The second violent incident took place less than 12 hours later in Belize City, where a 19-year-old construction worker was injured in a drive-by style shooting. Authorities identified the victim as Arnize Young, who was shot while walking along Cemetery Road in the early hours of Sunday morning at approximately 5 a.m. Police reports confirm that two male suspects riding a motorcycle approached Young and fired multiple shots in his direction, striking him before fleeing the scene. Young was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and doctors have confirmed that his injuries are not considered life-threatening. Investigations into this second shooting are also ongoing, with no motives or suspects disclosed to the public as of yet.