In a distressing turn of events, the McKoy family from Unitedville has spoken out after being wrongfully accused in the murder of Police Constable Oswald Young Senior. The incident, which occurred on October 10, 2025, has raised significant concerns about police procedures and the impact on innocent families. Jamil McKoy, a local mechanic, was arrested on the night of the shooting but was later exonerated when surveillance footage confirmed his alibi. The Ministry of Home Affairs has labeled the killing as a targeted attack on law enforcement, emphasizing the urgency of the ongoing investigation. The McKoy family, still reeling from the trauma of the wrongful accusation, has called for greater care in handling such sensitive cases to prevent further distress to innocent parties.
分类: society
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Tragedy on Simon Lamb Street; Murder-Suicide Suspected
A harrowing incident unfolded on Simon Lamb Street in Belize City on Saturday afternoon, leaving two young individuals dead in what authorities suspect to be a murder-suicide. The victims, identified as 26-year-old Kiera Gentle and 27-year-old Harrison Arnold, were found lifeless in a bedroom, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Police were alerted to the scene following reports of gunfire within a residence. Upon arrival, they discovered the tragic aftermath of what appears to be a domestic dispute turned fatal. An audio recording from the vicinity captured a woman’s screams followed by three gunshots, with another three shots heard 14 seconds later. A nine-millimeter pistol, registered to Arnold, was recovered at the scene. Investigators revealed that Gentle and Arnold had been in a relationship but had recently separated. Friends and family described the pair as vibrant and full of life, making their untimely deaths all the more shocking. The Belize Police Department has launched a full investigation into the incident, which has left the community in mourning.
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Police Officer Arrested in Brutal Hattieville Double Murder
In a startling development in a high-profile murder investigation, a 25-year-old Belizean police officer, Orvin Williams, has been arrested and charged with the brutal killings of fraternal twins Paul Esquilliano and Paula Belisle. The siblings were discovered shot dead inside Paula’s residence on Ysaguirre Boulevard in Hattieville on September 15, 2025. After weeks of uncertainty, the Belize Police Department announced on October 11 that Williams, a constable from Mahogany Heights, had been taken into custody and faces two counts of murder. The case has taken a deeply personal turn, as investigators revealed that Williams had previously been in a relationship with Paula’s daughter, who passed away some time ago. Reports also suggest that Williams had allegedly been stealing money from Paula’s credit union account, raising questions about financial motives. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith, a spokesperson for the police, emphasized that while an arrest has been made, the investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be disclosed in court. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the complexities of the case and the emotional toll it has taken on all involved.
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Appeal Hearing for Convicted Attorney Oscar Selgado Underway
The Court of Appeal convened today to hear arguments in the high-profile case of Oscar Selgado, a 56-year-old attorney convicted last year for abetment to murder. Selgado was found guilty of allegedly orchestrating a hit on Marilyn Barnes, a Belizean woman, though the act was never carried out. The court ruled that his actions had crossed legal boundaries, leading to his conviction and a ten-year prison sentence. Today, Selgado’s legal team, led by attorneys Arthur Saldivar and Darrell Bradley, presented arguments to overturn the conviction. The hearing raised critical legal questions, including the reliance on a key statement from Giovanni Ramirez, the individual Selgado allegedly hired. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) conceded that without Ramirez’s statement, the prosecution’s case would have collapsed. Notably, Ramirez’s statement was admitted during a voir dire, despite his refusal to testify in person due to fears for his safety. Selgado’s lawyers argued that this violated the Evidence Act, as the prosecution failed to provide adequate protection or alternative testimony options for Ramirez. Additionally, they highlighted the absence of crucial evidence, such as a phone allegedly containing incriminating recordings, which was never recovered before the trial. After hours of deliberation, the panel of judges reserved their decision for a later date. Selgado remains incarcerated pending the outcome of this appeal, which could potentially alter the course of his case.
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Police Investigate Sudden Death of 9-year-old Girl
A tragic incident has shaken the community of Belize City, as authorities investigate the sudden death of a nine-year-old girl, Evadne Martinez. The young girl reportedly collapsed at a residence near the intersection of Linda Vista Street and Police Street on the evening of Saturday, October 11, 2025. Emergency responders rushed her to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (K.H.M.H.), where medical personnel attempted to resuscitate her. Unfortunately, their efforts were unsuccessful, and Evadne was pronounced dead. While it is known that the child had a history of asthma, the exact cause of her sudden demise remains undetermined. Police have initiated a thorough investigation, and a post-mortem examination has been scheduled to ascertain the precise cause of death. ASP Stacy Smith, the Staff Officer overseeing the case, confirmed these details, emphasizing the need for clarity in this heartbreaking situation. The community mourns the loss of young Evadne, as questions linger about the circumstances surrounding her untimely passing.
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Police ID Man Found Dead Near Foreshore
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a mysterious death in Belize City, authorities have identified the deceased as 30-year-old Adrian Victor Bood, a Belizean national with no fixed address. Bood’s body was discovered floating near the Southern Foreshore on October 12, 2025. His sister has officially confirmed his identity, providing some closure to a case that has sparked widespread curiosity and concern. According to police, there are currently no indications of foul play or violence on the body. ASP Stacy Smith, the Staff Officer handling the case, revealed that Bood was known to reside in the streets of downtown Belize City, a fact corroborated by several local residents. However, his specific details remain unclear, prompting authorities to appeal to the public for assistance. Individuals with relatives matching the description are urged to visit the Raccoon Street or Queen Street Police Station with photographs to aid in the identification process. Investigators are still working to determine the circumstances surrounding Bood’s death, and updates will be provided as new information emerges.
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Family Hosts Concert-Style Wake for ‘Big Tom’
In a heartfelt tribute to Kenneth ‘Big Tom’ Flowers, who tragically lost his life a week ago in a suspected crime of passion, his family hosted a unique concert-style wake at their Mopan Street residence. The event, open to all, including those beyond the neighborhood, celebrated Flowers’ life and his recent efforts to foster peace across the city. Bernard ‘Unlmtd’ Cayetano, a close friend and artist, emphasized the importance of unity and positivity during this time. He reassured the public about the event’s security, stating, ‘Big Tom was love, and everyone knows that. We encourage everyone to come out with a positive mentality and pay their respects.’ The wake served as a poignant reminder of the community’s collective grief and the urgent need for change to prevent further loss.
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A farewell to Sol-o — Remembering Solomon Fairbairn
The passing of Solomon Fairbairn, a beloved resident of Lowmans Hill, has left the community in mourning. Sol-o, as he was affectionately known, succumbed to cancer, marking yet another loss for this tight-knit village. His life was a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of Lowmans Hill.
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Bookstore donates local book to Grade 6 students
In a commendable effort to foster literacy and educational development, Jujube Bookstore in Kingstown has generously donated copies of the locally authored book “Let’s Write” to the Grade 6 class of Evesham Methodist School. The book, penned by graduate teacher Adriana S. King, serves as a comprehensive guide to composition writing, aiming to enhance students’ writing skills through structured and engaging methods. Telbert Samuel, the owner of Jujube Bookstore, emphasized the importance of community involvement in education, stating, ‘Improving education and literacy is a collective effort, and we are proud to contribute to this cause.’ Damaris Martin, the school’s principal, expressed deep gratitude for the donation, highlighting its potential to bolster the school’s literacy initiatives. She described the book as an ‘invaluable resource’ that aids students in mastering various writing structures. A Grade 6 teacher also praised the book for its simplicity and effectiveness in teaching thesis statements, calling it a ‘valuable resource’ that builds students’ confidence and writing proficiency through practical exercises.
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Dominican Republic and France join efforts against human trafficking and digital exploitation
Santo Domingo recently hosted the Franco-Dominican Seminar on the Fight against Human Trafficking and the Protection of Minors from New Threats, held from October 14 to 17. The event marked a significant step in deepening collaboration between the Dominican Republic and France to address critical issues such as human trafficking and digital threats to minors. Organized by the French Embassy, the Dominican National Police, and the Public Ministry, the seminar brought together 30 members of the National Police, 13 representatives of the Public Ministry, and key organizations including CONANI, Save the Children, UNODC, and European police attachés.
French experts from the Central Office for the Suppression of Human Trafficking (OCRTEH) and the Office for Minors (OFMIN) led discussions on combating online child pornography, the misuse of artificial intelligence in victim recruitment, and exploitation via social media. Additional topics included the dangers of deepfakes, cybercrime protocols, and strategies to dismantle transnational criminal networks. French Ambassador Sonia Barbry emphasized the global nature of these threats, stating, ‘No country is exempt from this challenge,’ and underscoring the need for skilled professionals to tackle evolving digital exploitation tactics.
Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful acknowledged France’s continued support and highlighted successful initiatives like Operation Begonia, which rescued 41 victims. The seminar concluded with the signing of a bilateral roadmap aimed at enhancing police cooperation, advancing training programs, and strengthening the investigative capabilities of DICRIM.
