2026.8.6 San Pedro man charged over 232 grams of suspected cannabis
The search warrant conversation usually starts with a denial. In a Boca Del Rio apartment on Tuesday morning, it started with directions.
The Belize Police Department reports that an inspector and a detective arrived at a third floor apartment in the area at about 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, informing the occupant that a search for firearms, drugs, and ammunition was about to happen. Asked first whether he had anything illegal to declare, the man, identified through his driver’s licence as Devan Tristan Paulino, 25, self-employed, of the Boca Del Rio Area, pointed the way himself: some weed, he said, in a transparent bag under the table beside his bed.
The table gave up precisely that. Inside the bag sat wrapped green leafy substance suspected to be cannabis, and the honest answer met the law’s arithmetic at the station scale: 232.9 grams, nearly a quarter kilo, a quantity that moved the matter from simple possession into possession with intent to supply to another.
The rest of the apartment held nothing further, and the process that followed was meticulous, rights explained and signed, the scale demonstrated before the weighing in his presence, the envelope sealed with evidence tape and signed by Paulino himself as witness. By day’s end the formal charge was laid, and he answered the final caution with silence.
Paulino, as with anyone charged, is presumed innocent unless and until the court rules otherwise.
Candour at the door may yet count for something where such things are weighed, but the scale answers only one question, and 232.9 grams answered it loudly. The island’s drug ledger keeps filling this season, the kilo under the old fridge, the half gram in the school bag pocket, and now the quarter kilo under the bedside table, and the pattern beneath it all is simple: San Pedro’s police are knocking, and the hiding spots keep coming up short.
2026.8.4 Belize woman accused of burning down house seen smiling outside court
Videos circulating on social media show the 21-year-old smiling as she left court after being granted bail on an arson charge linked to the destruction of a house in Maskall Village.
Belize: A Maskall Village woman has been charged with arson as the fire burned down and destroyed the home she shared with her boyfriend. Vayda Ashanti August, a 21-year-old unemployed labourer, appeared before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 3. She was arraigned on a single count of arson at the court.
Videos surfacing over the internet feature August leaving the court, following her bail, she is seen smiling and showing no remorse over her actions. She was further seen taking a phone call, while hiding her face with the court papers.
According to the police reports, August intentionally set fire to a 16-by-24-foot wooden and zinc house on Saturday, August 1. The house belonged to 33-year-old Jose David Recinos.
Reports indicate that the house and its contents were approximately valued at $35,000. Everything had been completely destroyed.
Prosecution alleged that August and Recinos were reportedly separating, for which a man was hired to help August remove her belongings from the residence. However, immediately after the items were removed and loaded into a pickup truck, August confessed to the driver that she had set the house on fire.
The blaze immediately grew even though the driver and other people tried to control and extinguish it, but were unsuccessful. Following the blaze, Recinos filed a report against August, for which she was later detained.
Preliminary reports state that no plea was accepted because prosecutors are awaiting instructions from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions on whether the case will proceed summarily or on indictment.
August was ordered not to contact Recinos or members of his family and to remain at least 100 yards away from places he lives, worlds or visits. She was granted a bail of $10,000, along with two sureties of $5,000 each with the above conditions and to report to the Maskall Police Station every Wednesday.
Along with that, the court ruling stated that she must reside with her mother and notify the court of any changes of address. August is now scheduled to return to court on September 23, 2026.
2026.8.3 Police Investigating Fatal Shooting of 18-Year-Old in Belize City
Police are investigating the murder of eighteen-year-old Ewart Josiah Hernandez Junior, who was shot in Belize City on Monday afternoon. The shooting happened at around one-fifteen in the Swift Hall parking lot. Police say Hernandez was on a motorcycle when he was approached by two men. One of them reportedly fired a single shot before both fled the area.
Hernandez was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at one-thirty-two. Investigators recovered one expended casing from the parking lot and collected a blood sample from the scene. Two people have since been detained for questioning, but no charges have been announced. There have been reports that Hernandez was robbed of a gold chain shortly before he was killed. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith says investigators have not found evidence to confirm that account.
Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “Partridge Street when he stopped on the side of the road and remained on his motorcycle. Some minutes later he was approached by two male persons and one of those male persons produced a firearm and fired a single shot which struck Hernandez. Police were able to apprehend a male person who matched the description of one of the suspects and that person remains in detention as police investigation continues. No motive has been established so far.”
Reporter: There are reports that he had a chain on him that was possibly taken off his person ?
Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “That is not information that is in my possession I will have to make inquiries. As you may know there are police cameras all over Belize City and in other parts of the country and based on what was seen on those cameras certain course of action was taken. I want to assure everybody that police operation will be done in the confines of the law as the investigation continues. The person that is in police’s custody is someone that is known to police. Mr. Hernandez is not particularly known to police.”
Police have not disclosed a motive for the killing or said whether Hernandez knew his attackers. Investigators are reviewing the information gathered so far and are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting, or who may know what led to it, to contact the police.
The two detained individuals remain under investigation
2026.7.30 Ulide Allen, Marquis Conorquie granted bail after two years on remand for murder of Stanley Moore; Witness fails to show up to testify
The murder trial of two Belize City men was postponed on Thursday after the prosecution’s main witness failed to appear at the High Court, despite reportedly assuring Crown Counsel earlier in the day that he would testify.
Ulide Allen, 28, and Marquis Conorquie, 26, are jointly charged with the June 23, 2024 murder of 32-year-old labourer Stanley Jerome Moore.
Their trial was scheduled to begin before Justice Nigel Pilgrim on Thursday morning. However, the Crown informed the court that its principal witness had not arrived and requested time for police to locate him.
When efforts to find the witness proved unsuccessful, the prosecution applied for an adjournment. Justice Pilgrim postponed the trial until September 16 and 17, 2026, when it is expected to begin and conclude.
Since both men have been on remand for more than two years, the judge granted them bail in the interest of fairness. Each man was offered bail in the sum of $16,000, supported by four sureties of $4,000 each.
Allen was able to secure his release. Conorquie, however, was returned to the Belize Central Prison because he is presently serving a sentence of one year and five months for robbery.
His attorney, Ronell Gonzalez, told the court that Conorquie has appealed that conviction and is awaiting the outcome. He therefore cannot be released on the murder bail unless the robbery conviction or sentence is overturned.
The bail conditions require Allen and Conorquie to attend every High Court hearing, report to the Mahogany Street Police Station on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and remain indoors between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
They must also surrender their travel documents, refrain from applying for replacements without the court’s permission and remain within the country unless authorized by a High Court judge.
The men were ordered to remain at least 100 yards away from the prosecution’s main witness and must not contact or interfere with any Crown witness, either personally, through another person or by social media.
Justice Pilgrim warned that their bail could be revoked if they breach any condition or are charged with or convicted of another offence while on release.
Moore was fatally shot on the afternoon of June 23, 2024, while travelling in the front passenger seat of a silver BMW driven by 27-year-old fisherman Joshua Gillett.
Police said the men were travelling from Central American Boulevard toward Oleander Street when two men on a motorcycle pulled alongside the vehicle near the intersection of Mahogany Street Extension and Amandala Drive.
The motorcycle’s passenger allegedly produced a firearm and fired several shots into the BMW before the attackers escaped toward Amandala Drive.
Gillett drove to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where police found Moore’s body inside the vehicle. Gillett was also suffering from gunshot injuries and was treated in the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.
Investigators recovered a nine-millimetre Aguila Luger-brand expended shell from the shooting scene. Blood samples and other fragments were also collected from the damaged BMW in the hospital parking lot.
Allen is represented by attorney Michael Peyrefitte, while Gonzalez represents Conorquie.
2026.7.30 Murder Trial Delayed After Key Witness Fails to Appear
The murder trial of two Belize City men has been postponed after the prosecution’s main witness failed to appear in the High Court this morning. Twenty-eight-year-old Ulide Allen and twenty-six-year-old Marquis Conorquie were expected to stand trial before Justice Nigel Pilgrim for the June 2024 murder of thirty-two-year-old Stanley Jerome Moore. The prosecution informed the court that the witness had reportedly confirmed earlier today that he would attend the trial. When he failed to appear, police were given time to try to locate him, but those efforts were unsuccessful. The Crown subsequently applied for an adjournment, which Justice Pilgrim granted. The trial has now been scheduled for September 16 and 17, when the court expects it to begin and conclude. Allen and Conorquie have spent more than two years on remand awaiting trial. In light of the latest delay, Justice Pilgrim offered each man bail of sixteen thousand dollars, supported by four sureties of four thousand dollars each. Allen was able to secure bail. Conorquie, however, was returned to the Belize Central Prison because he is currently serving a sentence of one year and five months for robbery. His attorney, Ronell Gonzalez, says that conviction is under appeal. The bail comes with strict conditions. The accused must attend every court hearing and report to the Mahogany Street Police Station on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. They must remain at least one hundred yards away from the Crown’s main witness and are prohibited from contacting or interfering with any prosecution witness, either personally, through another person or on social media. They must also surrender their travel documents, refrain from applying for replacements without the court’s permission and observe a curfew from eight at night until five in the morning. They are not permitted to leave the country without approval from a High Court judge. Justice Pilgrim warned that bail may be revoked if either man breaches those conditions or is charged with or convicted of another offence. The charges arose from a shooting on June 23, 2024. Police say Moore was travelling in a BMW driven by twenty-seven-year-old Joshua Gillett when two men on a motorcycle pulled alongside the vehicle near Mahogany Street Extension and Amandala Drive. The motorcycle passenger allegedly opened fire on the vehicle, fatally injuring Moore and wounding Gillett. The assailants then escaped along Amandala Drive. Moore was later found inside the vehicle at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Gillett was treated for gunshot injuries. Allen is represented by attorney Michael Peyrefitte, while Conorquie is represented by attorney Ronell Gonzalez.
2026.7.28 Colin Francis Junior Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Queen Street Police Cell Killing
Seven years after he was accused of killing fellow detainee Nestor Vasquez inside the Queen Street Police Station, Colin Francis Junior has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The 32-year-old also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of psychiatric nurse Augustina Elijio, who was stabbed at the Port Loyola Mental Health Clinic two days before the fatal attack on Vasquez. Francis entered both pleas before High Court Justice Nigel Pilgrim on this afternoon as part of an agreement between the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and his attorney, Peta-Gay Bradley. The Crown accepted the reduced plea of manslaughter in Vasquez’s death on the basis of diminished responsibility. Medical evidence indicated that Francis, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was experiencing an acute psychotic episode at the time. The first incident occurred on June 4, 2019, when Francis visited the Port Loyola Mental Health Clinic seeking treatment. According to the agreed facts, he returned later that afternoon in an agitated state and said he was not feeling well. Francis subsequently attacked Nurse Elijio, stabbing her twice, in the right breast and rib area. Her injuries were classified as grievous harm. Francis was detained and placed at the Queen Street Police Station. Two days later, on June 6, he and 60-year-old Nestor Vasquez were reportedly the only detainees in the cell area when officers heard a commotion. When checks were made, Vasquez was found badly injured in a pool of blood, while Francis was standing nearby. Vasquez died at the hospital on June 8. A doctor determined that his death resulted from blunt-force trauma to the head. Vasquez was the brother of Channel 7’s Jules Vasquez. The cases had been delayed because of questions surrounding Francis’s mental fitness to enter a plea and stand trial. In 2024, he was declared unfit to plead and Justice Pilgrim ordered psychiatric assessments every six months. A recent evaluation by psychiatrist Dr. Denethia Usher found that Francis was stable, taking his medication and no longer using marijuana. He was subsequently found fit to enter pleas. Justice Pilgrim accepted the guilty pleas and ordered the preparation of a social inquiry report, a prison report and victim-impact statements in both cases. Francis has been on remand since June 2019. His attorney will make mitigation submissions before Justice Pilgrim sentences him on September 7.
2026.7.26 One killed, two injured in triple shooting in Belize’s Cayo District
Police are investigating a triple shooting in Unitedville Village that left one man dead and two others injured, while detectives continue searching for the gunman responsible for the attack.
Belize: A triple shooting took place in the Unitedville Village of Cayo District on Saturday night that killed one person and left two others injured.
The deceased has been identified as Denvoy Feliciano Bartley from Banak Street, Belize City. He was traveling with his twin brother and another man near the village bus stop when they were approached by an armed man. The gunman opened fire at the group before fleeing the scene.
The three men had been on an errand at the time they were attacked. They were rushed to Western Regional Hospital for treatment of their injuries. Bartley succumbed to his injuries the next day, but the two others remain in the hospital. No other information has been provided about their condition.
Bartley was a repeated victim of gun violence. He narrowly escaped another gun attack in April 2021 in Belize City. Bartley was also charged with the murder of Lionel Budna in 2023. But the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions terminated the case by entering nolle prosequi in November 2024. As a result, he was set free after a one-year remand.
The police are currently investigating the shooting on Saturday night. The detectives are trying to ascertain the reason for the incident and the people behind it.
No arrests have been made yet, while the police are also appealing to the citizens for any information that may solve the case.
Locals have been sharing their sympathies for the victims on social media. One individual said, “RIP lee man mein this one hit hard condolences to the family mein,” while another person stated, “Maybe his death is related to a gang attack, mein survived the first time but not the second. Leave that to the police.”
2026.6.25 Belize in shock after gunmen kill 23-year-old pregnant woman
The 23-year-old woman was seven months pregnant when gunmen opened fire near a Hattieville bus stop shortly after she left the Belize Central Prison, where she had visited her brother.
Belize: A brutal attack that claimed the life of a young mother along with her unborn child in broad daylight has the nation of Belize suffering with grief and outrage. Twenty-three-year-old Jane Urbina was attacked by gunmen on a motorcycle on Saturday, June 20, in an open fire when she had just left the Belize Central Prison after a visit with her brother and was waiting at a Hattieville bus stop beside her mother.
The ruthless attack was witnessed by the victim’s mother and has shattered the family and the whole country that are demanding answers from the authorities. As the police investigations are ongoing to hunt the killers, the family and friends of Urbina are reminiscing the memories of her excitement about becoming a mother to a baby boy.
While the details surrounding the intent behind such a brutal and targeted act that cut short two lives and shattered the future of a young family remains unclear, a wave of grief is sweeping the country.
According to reports, Jane was seven months pregnant at the time of the attack. She was killed instantly, turning what should have been a season of joy and anticipation into one of unimaginable loss.
Through a phone call to News 5, Jane’s boyfriend shared how the couple last met on Friday morning and he still can’t process the loss of her girlfriend and unborn child.
“The last time I saw her da mi di Friday mawning before she left because she spent the whole week out ya with me She just mi so happy. I’m just mi blind . I never see the sign. To God it just really hurt me. I just can’t believe this. I still cya process this. I need to know how I feel. From then to now I will be real I neem eat nothing,” he said.
He further told the media channel that the baby Urbina was carrying was a boy, ans was to be named after him. He said they were both so happy with Jane’s pregnancy and the journey through it.
“The last time I messaged she, we just had a good time and everything about the baby. She just mi cya wait fi meet the baby and we wa know how di baby looked and lots of things. Just a mom and dad thing. We just mi sho happy,” he shared.
Urbina’s killing has left a devastating mark on her mother, who witnessed the whole attack. Her friends says that the trauma is unimaginable.
Urbina’s close friend, Whitney Hyde described the grief as overwhelming, saying that the pain in the family is raw and deeply felt.
“Her mom especially, I can’t imagine her mom pain because we spoke late in the morning the day that Jane died, and her mom said that Jane was begging her to, “Mom, please, please help me. Please give me air. I can’t breathe.” And when her mom told me those words, I burst into tears because I didn’t expect someone would want to kill Jane so brutally,” she shared through a phone call with News 5.
Investigators are now working to figure out the motive behind this killing, including whether it’s linked to the 2025 murder of Kevin DePaz, a case that involves Jane Urbina’s brother, Lionel Urbina, who was sent to the prison as Jane had just visited her brother at the Belize Central Prison on the day she was killed too.
A second suspect has been charged in the murder of 19-year-old Jamir Cambranes, as police continue investigations into the fatal shooting.
Belize: The police have made a second arrest in connection with the murder of 19-year-old technician Jamir Rudel Cambranes. Suspect Kameron Kareem Heusner, 21-years-old, was brought before the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, April 30, and was charged with murder.
The first suspect the police arrested was 19-year-old Kenrick Lindbergh Robinson on Monday, April 25. The construction worker from Laura Dunn Street in the Antelope Street area was also charged with one count of murder.
According to the police, Heusner was driving a silver Chevrolet Equinox on the night the victim went missing. Cambranes was last heard from on April 21, 2026. Investigators said that he arrived outside Robinson’s residence on Laura Dunn Street by bicycle about 7:30 pm. He later took a photo of the car at about 8:40 pm.
Surveillance footage revealed that Cambranes entered the vehicle at Robinson’s house alongside two other people, including Robinson. The car then drove away from the area and towards the Burrell Boom/Hattieville Road.
Cambranes also sent messages and images to his girlfriend, including a photo of the vehicle and its number plate. She used phone tracking to locate him shortly after 11:15 pm, when he stopped responding to her messages.
His body was later found in the nearby bushes with multiple gunshot wounds during the early hours of Wednesday, April 22.
Investigations into the case are still active. Heusner was not required to enter a plea due to the seriousness of the charge. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison and is scheduled to return to court on June 22, 2026 along with Robinson.
Locals have taken to social media to share their condolences. One of them said, “I wonder why tho. What did the deceased saw or knew. All his actions makes me believe he knew he wasnt going back home. But ,…Why,” while another stated, “Great job keep on investigating until you all get a proper and right conviction.”
2026.3.30 Belize: Man arrested for murder of Costa Rican banana company manager
A 47-year-old man has been charged with fatally stabbing a 51-year-old at his Placencia Peninsula apartment, with police continuing to investigate the motive.
Belize: A man from Mayan Beach in Stann Creek District has been arrested and charged with murder on March 29, 2026. Police have identified the suspect as 47-year old Kisnett Kerney Picart, who has been charged with the death of 51-year old Rolando Cespedes from Costa Rica. Cespedes was the general manager of a Fyffes banana company.
The incident happened on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Cespedes’ apartment located along Caribbean Way in the Placencia Peninsula in the Maya Beach area around 8:30 am. The police received reports of the stabbing and arrived at the scene to find Cespedes with multiple stab wounds and immediately took him to the Placencia Polyclinic,. He later died at 9:43 am from the injuries sustained.
Investigators think that Picart and Cespedes lived near each other and may have known each other. “We believe that the suspect was familiar with the victim, given the proximity within which they reside. I cannot comment if the relationship was something more than that,” said ASP Stacy Smith.
Police said that the victim died of multiple stabbings, which was later found to be 29 times. Authorities stated that no motive has been determined behind the killings yet. A police spokesperson also said that they have no information to determine the type of relationship the two men had or if they had past issues.
“I have confirmed that because of the proximity within which the suspect and the victim live, I’m not saying they’re neighbors, I’m just saying the proximity, it is suspected that they were familiar with each other. I cannot say if there was any previous history of dispute between them,” further added ASP Smith.
Police also recovered what they believe is the weapon used in the stabbing attack. Picart is being kept at the Sein Bight Police Station as investigation remains ongoing.
2026.2.25 Belize: Couple shot dead near Riverside in Cayo
A young couple was killed in a shooting near a riverside swimming area in Cayo, authorities reveal.
Belize: Two young adults were shot and killed on a Saturday evening near a riverside swimming area in the Cayo District. The victims have been identified as 23-year old Jermaine Jerrington “Jerry” Ingram from Unitedville and 20-year old Miguela Vanegas of Belmopan.
The couple left the water and went back to the riverside, when they were approached by one or more people and suddenly attacked. It took place sometime after sunset. The motive behind the killing is not yet known, while no arrests have been made yet.
As per the official police reports, officers responded to a call of gunfire near the creek soon after the shooting took place. Upon arriving at the scene, they found that both victims had gunshot injuries. They were later pronounced dead.
Assistant Superintendent of Police, Stacy Smith, said that the pair had just finished swimming when they were confronted. “Preliminary investigation suggests that the victims may have returned from swimming at a nearby creek when they were accosted,” she stated.
The police have secured the area and are looking for witnesses and evidence in that area and surrounding places. “The area has been canvassed with a view to identify potential witnesses and to obtain video footage which we hope would be of assistance to the investigation,” Smith added
Ingram’s family believe that he was the intended target. His relatives also said that he had been receiving threats which they reported to the authorities. ASP Smith denied receiving any such complaint.
The news of the double murder has shaken the people in Unitedville and Belmopan. This case is the third double murder reported in recent months, following the Hummingbird Highway and Belmopan cases in Belize.
2026.2.5 Families of 3 U.S. women file $100M lawsuit against Belize resort over carbon monoxide deaths
The families of three victims held a press conference on Tuesday to announce they filed a lawsuit, in U.S. District Court in Boston against Belize’s Royal Kahal Beach Resort.
By Belize Live News Staff: Police in Orange Walk are investigating a brazen daylight robbery that occurred at a 24/7 gas station along the Belize–Corozal Road on Saturday afternoon.
According to police, officers responded around 1:20 p.m. after receiving reports that the gas station had just been robbed at gunpoint. Upon arrival, police spoke with a 22-year-old pump attendant who reported that she and her coworker were approached by two masked men riding a small black scooter.
The attendants told police that the passenger on the scooter pointed a firearm at one of them and demanded that both women hand over their pouches. Fearing for their lives, the attendants complied, surrendering cash totaling one thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight dollars.
The suspects then fled the scene on the scooter, heading in the direction of Landy’s and Sons along the Belize–Corozal Road. Police have since launched an investigation.
By Belize Live News Staff: Authorities in the Cayo District have charged a young man with the murder of a chicken truck driver that occurred on January 7, 2026.
On Friday, January 9, 2026, police arrested and formally charged 25-year-old Wilhem Lansbort Coye, a Belizean labourer residing in Camalote Village, for the offence of murder.
The deceased is Mark Anthony Gaboural, whose death took place on Wednesday in what police are treating as a homicide.
Further information on the motive or events leading to the killing has not been disclosed. The accused is currently detained as investigations continue.
By Belize Live News Staff: Police have confirmed that two prime suspects in the murder of delivery driver Mark Gabourel were captured on camera near the scene of the killing.
Authorities say the individuals seen in a circulating photograph are believed to be directly linked to the fatal shooting, which occurred in front of Sunny City Supermarket. At this time, the suspects have not been identified.
Investigators are continuing their review of surveillance footage and following multiple leads as the investigation progresses. Police say efforts are ongoing to positively identify the suspects and determine their movements before and after the incident.
Members of the public who may recognize the individuals or have information that could assist in the investigation are urged to contact the nearest police station.
2026.1.9 Big Falls Crash Victim Faces Long Recovery
Woman Needs Reconstructive Surgery After Motorcycle RTA
Big Falls Crash Victim Faces Long Recovery
Tonight, the family of accident victim Ireni Savala is appealing to the public for help as she faces a long and challenging recovery. Savala was found critically injured along the roadside in Big Falls on December seventeenth, 2025, after she was reportedly thrown from a motorcycle and left there. According to her relatives, her injuries are severe and will require extensive medical treatment, including facial reconstruction surgery, after she lost one of her ears. Earlier today, News Five spoke with her sister, Francine Savala, who provided an update on Ireni’s condition and the ongoing fundraising efforts.
On the Phone: Francine Savala, Sister of RTA Victim
“She was thrown off of the cycle that she was on, and she was left abandoned at the side of the road.”
Britney Gordon
“Did she collide with another vehicle or how did she exactly get thrown off of her motorcycle?”
On the Phone: Francine Savala
“No, she did not collide. I think that the person that she was with, maybe he was driving too fast. We don’t know if it’s a he or she. We heard that it’s a he, but we don’t know if maybe he lost control or she fell off the bike. We’re not sure. But the injuries, we would say that she fell off the bike. “
Britney Gordon
“And what condition did that leave her in that she’s not able to confirm these details right now. Is she awake?”
On the Phone: Francine Savala
“Yes ma’am. She is awake. She is recovering, but a part of her face, left side of her face has been torn off, including her left ear. So far my sister is just saying the person that she was with the night the accident happened. She cannot fully remember the incident, everything. I think because of the trauma she got to her head. She has like about five bursts on her head. So I think the trauma that she had, the hit on her head that caused her to, she cannot remember the incident fully.” We want to seek further medical treatment so that the doctors in PG told us that that she would need like a surgery to her face to replace, take a part of her, some part of her body, like a piece of skin and replace it on her face. And then maybe a plastic surgery for her ear.”
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Woman Needs Reconstructive Surgery After Motorcycle RTA
A woman is facing months of surgery and recovery after she was found bleeding and with serious injuries on the roadside in Big Falls last month.
24-year-old Ireni Savala was discovered on December 17 after she was reportedly thrown from a motorcycle and left behind. Her sister, Francine Savala, said the family is still struggling to piece together what happened.
Savala said there was no collision with another vehicle and believes speed may have been a factor. “She did not collide. We think the person that she was with may have been driving too fast,” she said.
Ireni is awake but suffered severe trauma to her face. “The left side of her face has been torn off, including her left ear,” Francine said.
Doctors have advised that she will need reconstructive and plastic surgery. The family says fundraising efforts are ongoing to cover her medical expenses.
Police have charged three young men in connection with a robbery that left a 72-year-old man injured in San Ignacio Town, Cayo District. According to police, shortly after 1:00 a.m. on December 15, 2025, officers responded to reports of an injured male lying on Burns Avenue. The victim, later identified as Roy Waight, was found bleeding from head and facial injuries and was rushed to hospital, eventually receiving treatment at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. He has since been released and is recovering at home. Investigations, including the review of surveillance footage from a nearby business, led to the detention of three San Ignacio residents, as confirmed by ASP Stacy Smith.
Stacy Smith, Superintendent of Police: “Police have formally arrested and charged 20 year old Leon Nelson Coleman, 21 year old Joseph Joel Gentle and 20 year old Randolph Delton Hyde, all of San Ignacio Town for the crime of robbery. These arrests follow police’s investigation into the robbery of 72 year old Roy Waight which occurred on the night of December 15, 2025. Mr.Waight was walking on Burns Avenue when he was approached by three individuals who assaulted him and stole from him some food, a small amount of money and a cellphone. Additional charges are expected t be brought against these individuals in relation to the injury that Mr. Waight received during the course of this incident.”
Love News understands that station interviews were conducted yesterday and the three men were arrested and jointly charged today with robbery.x1200
San Ignacio police have arrested and charged three men in connection with the violent assault and robbery of 72-year-old Ron Waight.
Twenty-year-old Leon Nelson Coleman, 21-year-old Joseph Jowel Gentle, and 20-year-old Randolf Delton Hyde, all from San Ignacio, face charges of robbery, with additional charges expected related to Waight’s injuries.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith outlined the details of the attack, stating, “Mr Waight was walking on Burns Avenue when he was approached by three individuals who assaulted him and stole from him some food, a small amount of money, and a cell phone.”
Waight suffered severe injuries, including bleeding to the brain, and required hospitalisation at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
The December 15 incident occurred in the same vicinity where two tourists had been robbed just a week earlier.
Police have made an arrest in connection with that deadly New Year’s Eve shooting at Timmy’s Bar, an attack that left one man dead and eight others injured. Authorities confirm that twenty‑one‑year‑old Santos Chirinos, a construction worker from Bella Vista Village, has been charged in the case. Thirty‑nine‑year‑old Keith Logan was killed when gunfire erupted inside the bar on December thirty‑first, while patrons were socializing. Chirinos now faces charges of murder, as well as escape from lawful custody. Police say the suspects fled the scene on motorcycles following the shooting. Several of the victims were taken to hospital, though officials have not disclosed the conditions of the others. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith has provided more details on the arrest and the ongoing investigation.
“Though Mr. Chirinos in the company of his attorney had turned himself into police. After being informed that he was under arrest for the offense of murder, Mr. Chirinos shoved his attorney off the way and bolted from the Independence Police Station. This information was immediately communicated. Mr. Chirinos was pursued and area was carding off. And after a search, Mr. Chirinos was located on the veranda of an unoccupied property. Additional charges are expected to be levied against Chirinos in relation to the other persons that were injured in the December thirty-first incident. As it relates to the motive, I will just say at this point is that the incidents that have been happening in the Bella Vista area suggests to have been fueled by the sale of drugs. Video footages proved particularly useful in giving good guidance to police officers in the execution of their operation. However, the department was also able to get material evidence of value to the prosecution of this matter.”
A joint security operation carried out last Friday has resulted in the removal of a confirmed member of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) criminal organization from Belize. Police report that officers attached to the GI3 unit in San Ignacio, working in close coordination with Immigration officials, escorted 45-year-old Marvin Edgardo Sandoval, also known as “Cirillo,” to Belize’s western border. Sandoval, a Salvadoran national, was formally handed over to Guatemalan authorities from the Division of Police Information under the Subdirectorate General of Criminal Investigation. According to authorities, Sandoval was initially detained during a police operation in Silk Grass Village, Stann Creek District, on Tuesday, December 30, at around 3:30 p.m. Police say he was found without a passport or any legal immigration status in Belize and was subsequently handed over to the GI3 unit in San Ignacio. During an interview with law enforcement, Sandoval reportedly admitted to being a member of Mara Salvatrucha, stating that he was initiated into the gang at the age of 12 while in El Salvador. As a result, he was served with an Order to Leave Belize (OTL) and formally classified as a prohibited immigrant, necessitating his immediate removal from the country. On Friday, Sandoval was escorted to the western border and handed over to Guatemalan authorities, who then transported him onward to the Salvadoran border. Salvadoran officials confirmed that he was received early on Saturday, followed by a transfer over to Guatemalan authorities without incident. Sandoval has been labeled as the first confirmed MS-13 gang member removed from Belize for the year 2026.
A man has been killed and six others injured after gunmen opened fire at a bar in southern Belize, police say.
Belize: A gun attack at a bar in southern Belize has left one person dead and six others injured. Police later identified the victim as 39-year-old Keith Logan, also known as Neal, who died after gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at the bar in Mango Creek, Stann Creek District, on New Year’s Eve.
The attackers then fled towards Bella Vista in the Toledo District. Emergency services responded and rushed the seven victims to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.
Where 39-year-old Keith Logan (Neal) succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 10:20 a.m. The 6 injured and still under intense medical attention are.
44-year-old Romel Middleton, reported to be the intended target; 47-year-old Caral Charles Cabral, known as a runman in the village; 34-year-old Marion Logan, an employee at Big Creek Port, 53-year-old Robert Roy Buckley, a security guard, 35-year-old Marlon Logan, a local barber, and 52-year-old Rupert Jones.
Following the mass shooting police launched an immediate investigation into the shooting, recovering approximately 16 spent shells on the scene.
Though the motive of the shooting remains unclear, the authorities believe it to have been linked to local drug-related activities, potentially involving dealers from the nearby Bella Vista Village.
The police authorities have further reported to have 1 suspect already in custody for questioning the motive behind the mass shooting incident that left one dead and 6 others nursing serious gunshot injuries.
Hundreds of Belize citizens have taken to Facebook to comment on the mass shooting while others offered their condolences to Keith’s family. With one user ‘Emilio Zabaneh’ writing “Very sad, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Keith works his job everyday. Always willing to grind with the crew. I remember times he would work with the sheetrock crew for us. Very unfortunate. He was cool, always respectful and never failed to hail me.’ sup mista pap!’ Mien. RIP Neal. Condolences to Ms. Elenita Logan. Hurts. Your son didn’t deserve this Caliti.”
Police said the two men were shot while inside a house in Pomona village during the final hours of 2025.
Belize: 22-year-old Luke Chavarria and 23-year-old Zion Samuels were shot dead hours before the New year.
According to police reports the double murder took place in Pomona village in the Stann Creek District, during the final hours of 2025 as the two men were hanging out at a house in the village around 11 pm.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still being confirmed, but WIC News understands that the two men were reportedly shot at by individuals on a motorcycle, who passed through the residence of Hilbert Smith, also known as “Soap” and fired shots at Luke Chavarria and Zion Samuels, a Belizean call agent allegedly sitting inside and drinking.Digital media consulting
The police Quick Response Team (QRT) officers soon responded to the shooting reports, and visited the scene where they found both individuals suffering from gunshot injuries.
Luke Chavaria and Zion Samuels were then transported to the Southern Regional Hospital (SRH) for medical treatment, where they succumbed to their injuries.
The authorities proceeded to launch an investigation into the killing of the two men where they secured the scene and recovered approximately 12 expended shells. Investigations into the double murder are ongoing.
Citizens of Belize have taken to Facebook to issue their condolences to the families of the two victims whose lives were cut short moments before entering the New Year 2026.
Go Answer Belize, where Samuels reportedly worked, issuing their condolences stating, “It is with heavy hearts that the management and staff of Go Answer mourn the passing of Zion Samuels, one of our outstanding and very young Team Leads. Zion was deeply cared for and valued by our entire team, and his presence made a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His passing is untimely, and we grieve with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with them all.”
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