分类： society

In a chilling turn of events, Byron James, a man previously convicted of murder, was gunned down outside his Belize City home on the night of November 14, 2025. James, who had been released on bail after appealing his 2017 conviction for the 2012 murder of Frank Vasquez, was sitting in his yard when two armed men entered the property and fatally shot him. Police are investigating whether this was an act of street justice or a case of mistaken identity. James’s family, however, firmly believes he was wrongly targeted, as they had only recently moved into the apartment complex. The incident has left the community in shock and the family demanding justice. Police have detained one suspect and recovered two firearms, which are undergoing ballistic testing. While James’s past criminal record is under scrutiny, his family remembers him as a loving brother, talented tattoo artist, and a man who had turned his life around.

A chilling act of violence has shaken the community of Dangriga in the Stann Creek District. On the evening of November 17, 2025, a masked assailant entered the home of 27-year-old fisherman Oscar Williams Jr., unleashing a barrage of gunfire that claimed Williams’ life. The incident occurred around 9:00 PM on Rear Pine Street, where Williams was seated with his young son in the lower flat of a two-story cement residence. The gunman, clad in dark clothing, approached the open doorway and fired multiple shots, fatally wounding Williams before fleeing on foot. Despite being rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital, Williams was pronounced dead upon arrival. Scenes of Crime technicians recovered fourteen expended nine-millimeter shell casings from various brands, providing critical ballistic evidence. Authorities have detained one individual for questioning as the investigation progresses. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith emphasized the ongoing nature of the probe, urging anyone with information to come forward. The tragedy has left Williams’ family devastated and the community grappling with fear and uncertainty.

A night of revelry at the Social Lounge took a perilous turn on Friday evening when gunfire erupted outside the popular venue on Phillip Goldson Highway. Authorities reported that the suspect, Woodrow Reyes, was intoxicated and armed at the time of the incident. Responding swiftly, law enforcement officers conducted a search of a nearby vehicle, leading to Reyes’ apprehension. He now faces charges for possessing a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Investigators have also collected spent shell casings from the scene, which are being sent to the National Forensic and Science Services laboratory for analysis to confirm if the firearm recovered from Reyes was indeed used in the shooting. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith provided details on the arrest and the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the swift response of the officers involved.

In a startling recurrence of criminal activity, Mo’s Supermarket in Corozal Town faced its second armed robbery attempt in less than a month. The latest incident unfolded on Sunday evening when a 20-year-old gunman entered the premises around 7:30 p.m., brandishing a firearm and demanding cash. However, the staff and patrons, undeterred by the threat, courageously resisted the assailant. A struggle ensued, forcing the suspect to flee the scene. Police officers, stationed nearby, swiftly apprehended the individual. During the arrest, the suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the knee. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith provided insights into the ongoing investigation, revealing that the suspect had assaulted the merchant and demanded money before the confrontation escalated. This incident follows a similar attempt in October, where employees and shoppers successfully thwarted another armed robbery. The repeated targeting of Mo’s Supermarket has raised concerns about security in the area, prompting calls for enhanced measures to protect businesses and their customers.

A routine water taxi journey turned into a harrowing experience on Sunday evening when The International Star, a vessel operated by San Pedro Belize Water Taxi, ran aground near San Pedro Town. The incident left 38 passengers and two crew members stranded. The boat had departed from Chetumal earlier in the day and was en route to Caye Caulker after a scheduled stop in San Pedro when the mishap occurred. The Belize Port Authority has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident and to assess whether safety protocols were adhered to. Ports Commissioner Kaylon Young emphasized the importance of the probe, stating, ‘The Belize Port Authority investigates maritime casualties to ensure safety, identify gaps, and learn lessons to improve our mechanisms. We will examine the root cause, check for breaches in safety protocols, and assess the vessel’s condition, the competence of the master, and the navigation equipment.’ The investigation aims to address any areas of concern and prevent future incidents.