标签： Belize

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.