作者： admin

The Belizean communities of Ladyville and Lord’s Bank are confronting a surge of violent crime following the separate yet connected fatal shootings of two close friends on Sunday evening. Shakeem Ferguson, 26, and Elroy Bainton, 29, were killed within a mere thirteen minutes of each other, sending shockwaves through a neighborhood still grieving the murder of a security guard just one week prior.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, the sequence of events began at approximately 5:32 p.m. on Joe Lewis Street. Ferguson was returning from a store when he was ambushed by assailants in a vehicle who fired multiple shots, inflicting fatal injuries. Shortly thereafter, at around 5:45 p.m., gunfire erupted on nearby Yellowtail Street, where Bainton was shot. He was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but succumbed to his wounds.

Police investigations indicate the two victims had been socializing together prior to the attacks. ACP Romero stated that evidence suggests the men were specifically targeted and trailed, with the murders being ‘drug related’ and connected to an ‘internal issue’ within a local group. This revelation contrasts sharply with the perspective of Ferguson’s family. His sister, who spoke anonymously, described him as a man who would typically relax in an alleyway, socialize, and spend time with his one-year-old daughter. She expressed profound shock and confusion over the motive, stating, ‘I never expect something like this.’

The tragic incidents have exacerbated existing fears in the area. While police have found no direct link to the recent killing of BWS security guard Darwin Valerio, the cumulative effect of these events has left residents feeling increasingly vulnerable and alarmed. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage and searching for two suspects connected to the vehicle used in the attacks.

Authorities in Belize acknowledge their investigation into the fatal shooting of security guard Darwin Valerio has yet to yield a suspect, despite multiple days of evidence gathering. The 35-year-old was killed while on duty at the Belize Water Services warehouse in Lord’s Bank, an incident that continues to baffle investigators.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, who heads the National Crime Investigation Branch, confirmed the ongoing challenges in the case during a press briefing. While video footage from the entity’s surveillance system and nearby cameras has been obtained and is under review, Romero stated the evidence has not progressed to identifying a perpetrator.

When questioned by reporters about the potential involvement of a coworker, ACP Romero maintained an objective stance, clarifying that while no evidence currently points to any colleague, the investigation remains active. The police force continues to pursue all available leads in their efforts to deliver justice for Valerio’s killing, though the absence of arrests highlights the complexities of the ongoing probe.

In a significant breakthrough in a case that has captivated national attention since December 11th, law enforcement authorities have formally arrested and charged 49-year-old Harry Trapp in connection with the double murder of Raynard Garbutt and Robert Crawford. The arrest marks a pivotal development in the investigation that has gripped the public conscience for weeks.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Head of the National Crime Investigation Branch, disclosed that meticulous investigative work involving extensive video surveillance analysis and follow-up operations ultimately led to Trapp’s apprehension. According to Romero, the homicides resulted from a robbery operation where the victims were accosted and transported to a highway area before being killed for money stolen from their truck.

Trapp represents a familiar figure to criminal justice authorities, having served over two decades in prison for previous manslaughter convictions. His criminal history gained notoriety in 2007 when he made headlines after being intercepted at a police checkpoint while traveling toward Belize City alongside two other inmates and a former Deputy Chief of Prison Security. That incident triggered substantial institutional scandal and additional criminal charges.

While Trapp remains the primary suspect currently facing charges, ACP Romero indicated the investigation remains active with multiple leads being pursued. When questioned about potential accomplices, Romero confirmed that additional charges would be filed should evidence emerge implicating other individuals in the crime.

In a separate development, police also announced progress in another homicide case, arresting 28-year-old call center agent Tyron Castro for the January 7th murder of Mark Anthony Gabourel. Castro faces charges of abetment to murder for allegedly facilitating the deadly attack, with his arrest occurring on January 26th as investigators continue reconstructing the events leading to Gabourel’s killing.

The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has escalated its opposition to a proposed acquisition deal involving Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), demanding comprehensive national public consultations before any agreement is finalized. NTUCB President Ella Waight has declared the union’s multifaceted strategy to challenge the transaction, citing insufficient stakeholder engagement from BTL management.

Waight revealed the labor organization has initiated legal proceedings to explore potential courtroom challenges to the acquisition’s validity. The union leader emphasized that BTL’s previous presentations to stakeholders appeared designed solely to secure approval rather than facilitate genuine dialogue about the deal’s implications.

“Their ultimate goal was for us to say yes, we agree to it,” Waight stated, characterizing BTL’s engagement as insufficient for an institution of its national importance. The NTUCB president confirmed the union is coordinating with other concerned entities who similarly oppose the transaction, noting this represents broader societal concern beyond just labor organizations.

Waight issued a definitive ultimatum: if administrative and legal channels prove unsuccessful, the union is prepared to organize public demonstrations as a final measure to ensure their objections receive adequate attention. This warning signals potential civil unrest should the process advance without addressing the union’s demands for transparency and public consultation.