May 10, 2021
Hilberto Romero
As far south as Santa Cruz, death came knocking at Ortis Gladden’s door when several men visited him on Friday evening. When the twenty-eight-year-old came out to greet his guests, he was met with a barrage of gunshots. The body of the mortally wounded laborer was later discovered by a relative. According to police, while Gladden’s murder may not be related to the spate of deadly shootings in Belize City, his demise may have been the result of shady business he was purportedly involved in with his attacker.
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
May 10, 2021
Gerald Tillett Jr.
There you heard from the families of the two men killed on Church Street in Belize City – now we turn to the police for an update. While there are several persons being questioned in connection with this fatal shooting, police say that they are also investigating whether the death of Gerald Tillett Junior may be connected to the killings of Raymond Garcia and Wayne Peteau.
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
“Investigation revealed that these persons were socializing in that area when a motorcycle arrived with two persons who fired shots towards the building causing the injuries to these persons. Raymond Garcia and Wayne Peteau succumb to their injuries as a result of this shooting. We have several persons detained in regards to this investigation.”
Francisco Bah
Police are awaiting the results of a post mortem examination as they work to determine details surrounding the death of Francisco Bah. The motionless body of the 60-year-old man was found at an area between miles 24 and 25 of the Hummingbird Highway by police on Saturday, May 1. According to Sr. Spt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, officers noticed injuries to the body, later identified as Bah’s.
Reports initially suggested that Bah was the victim of a hit and run accident but there might be more to the story. Other reports emerging indicate that Bah had been put off a passenger bus the night before after which he was robbed. He called his daughter to inform her of the news, and while she says that she encouraged him to hide in the area until the morning, he said that he would instead walk home. He never made it, however, and his lifeless body was found the following day. Police are continuing their investigations.
May 3, 2021
Hilberto Romero
Police are working to quell an increase in gun violence over the weekend in the George Street area of Belize City. According to police, two Friday night shooting incidents in the area may be connected and possibly stemmed from an internal gang feud. Fortunately, no one was killed injured this time.
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crime Investigation Branch
“On Friday last, police responded to shooting incident on Berkeley Street in Belize City. Upon the arrival they saw Michael Welch with a gunshot injury to the foot. Investigations reveal that he was in the area when he was approached by a male person who fired several shots at him causing the said injury. He is at the KHMH in a stable condition at this time.
Apr 26, 2021
Hilberto Romero
The Old Capital has been relatively quiet over the last two weeks, except for Saturday where a man was shot in Belama. Two people have been detained, pending charges.
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
“Kyle Chaplin reported that he was cleaning a lot at Belama Phase Five when he was approached by two male persons who fired several shots towards his direction. He ran away and was only grazed to the back. An investigation was carried out and we have two persons in custody who will be charged later today.”