March, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Young Father Killed Seconds Away From Home

In another tragic case of gun violence, a family is grieving the loss of their loved one after his life was taken over the weekend. On Saturday, March sixteenth, twenty-six-year-old Liston Williams was riding home on his motorcycle when suddenly several shots were fired in his direction at the intersection of Madam Liz Avenue and Woodpecker Street, ultimately killing him. While an investigation is ongoing, police have their suspicions as to who may be responsible. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Friends and family are at a loss for words as they process the recent death of twenty-six-year-old Liston Williams. On Saturday, around ten p.m., the father of one was just moments away from his home on Madam Liz Avenue when a series of shots would be fired at him. Williams was thrown from his motorcycle and onto the ground where he was quickly met by neighbors who had been socializing in the area and taken to the hospital. Police would later respond to the report.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, the sixteenth day of March 2024, around nine fifty p.m., police responded to shots fired at Madame Liz in Belize City. Upon arrival, they found Liston Williams with gunshot injuries. He was taken to the KHMH where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigation revealed that mister Williams was in the area when he was approached by a male person who fired several shots, causing his fatal injuries. Several persons are detained pending investigation regarding this murder.”

Although police say that Williams was known to them, his death came as a shock to many. According to several residents, Williams was a polite, kind neighbor, loyal friend, and devoted father who was not known to cause trouble. Upon investigation, police believe that Williams was targeted by an associate.

Hilberto Romero

“Yes, he was known to police.”

Reporter

“Would you guys be able to say or have a reason why anybody would want to target him?”

Hilberto Romero

“Investigation revealed this is an internal feud with persons from that area that led to this shooting.”

A few neighbors who had been socializing in the area at the time of the incident said the events unfolded suddenly as Williams had just seconds before honked his horn to greet them. A sound that was followed by gunshots seconds later. In that light, several people believe that the assailant knew William’s route and had been waiting for him to pass by. That theory was further supported by Commissioner of Police Chester Williams.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We believe that mister Williams was killed by his own associates. I’m not going to say who, but his own associates are the one who once were responsible.”

Reporter

“Any suspects or persons detained?”

Chester Williams

“We do have suspects at this time and I think some of them are detained, yes”

Reporter

“Motive?”

Chester Williams

“We do not have a definitive motive at this time. But like I said, he was killed by his own associates.”

As residents of the area lament the safety of their neighborhood, several noted the absence of a police booth that had previously been installed on that street a few years ago. They claim that if the police booth had been in operation, the crime may have been avoided. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Woman Stabs Pregnant Woman and Boyfriend in Belize City

A couple is left recovering from stab wounds, after being attacked in Belize City, all while preparing for a baby that’s on the way. According to police reports, on Saturday, March sixteenth, around seven p.m. thirty-three-year-old, Michael Young and his pregnant girlfriend, Shakira Myvette, of the same age, were walking near the intersection of Victoria Street and New Road when they were approached by a known female who proceeded to attack them. A fight ensued where the aggressor allegedly stabbed both Young and Myvette, resulting in their injuries. The couple was quickly transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital by a bystander, and they were treated for their injuries. Fortunately, Young and Myvette, who is three months pregnant, were listed in a stable condition. The assailant fled the scene but was later captured by officers and is now in police custody. The motive of the crime is yet to be determined as the assailant and the victims have conflicting reports of the details of the incident.

Former City Mayor, Zenaida Moya Attacked at Home

Former Belize City Mayor, Zenaida Moya says she is a victim of an attack that occurred at her home. Moya alleges that her caretaker pepper-sprayed her, beat her up, and then stole her money. Moya told police that around five o’clock last Thursday morning, while she was at her mile five residence off the Philip Goldson Highway, her caretaker, twenty-eight-year-old Corliss McKenzie entered her room. The two reportedly got into an argument and Moya alleges that McKenzie became aggressive and pepper-sprayed her in the face, after which he punched her twice in the head. Moya said that McKenzie grabbed a bread knife, held her and placed the knife to her neck and threatened to kill her. Moya said she stomped her feet out of fear and McKenzie left but not before destroying her two phones and stealing four hundred dollars from her purse. According to Moya, she managed to escape by running out of the room and down the stairs where she was able to secure the iron gate, and that’s when she called 911 for police assistance. Moya was taken to the hospital, where a doctor classified her injuries as wounding. She has asked for court action, which led to McKenzie’s arrest. In court, he pleaded not guilty to six criminal offenses, including: aggravated assault with pepper spray, threat of death, damage to property, and theft. McKenzie was offered bail of two thousand, five hundred dollars and the case was adjourned until May fourteenth. He is not to interfere, contact or communicate with Moya and or any of her family members or any other prosecution witnesses in the case. He must also stay one hundred yards away from her, and he must report to the Queen Street Police Station twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Skeletal Remains Found in Rock Stone Pond; Are They Glenford Davis’?

The skeletal remains of an individual believed to be forty-six-year-old Glenford Davis were discovered on Sunday in the Rock Stone Pond Community. Davis was last seen by his relatives on December twenty-first, 2023, however, a missing person’s report was only just issued March twelfth. While investigators are yet to confirm the identity of the remains, News Five understands that the items found at the scene have been identified as articles belonging to the missing farmer.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On March 17^th, 2024, police visited a bushy area at Rock Stone Pond, Belize District, where they found human remains. The scene was processed by Scenes of Crime and the remains were retrieved and were taken to the forensic laboratory awaiting a post mortem examination. We had received a missing person’s report and we had focused the search in that area where the remains were found.”

Reporter

“Are you able to say who the person is, who the missing person is?”

Hilberto Romero

“We will await the post mortem results then we will determine if a proper identification can be done.”

Reporter

“Do police believe that this is maybe the opening of a homicide case?”

Hilberto Romero

“We are getting certain information. We have recorded some statements and at the end of the day we will determine if anyone will be charged. Several persons are in custody in regards to this report.”

Reporter

“Are you treating it as a murder?”

Hilberto Romero

“Yes, it is a death investigation and everything is being carried out.”

P.U.P. Corozal Bay Files Criminal Complaint Against P.U.P. Supporter

The P.U.P.’s Corozal Bay Area Representative, Elvia Vega-Samos, has pressed charges against a former P.U.P. Corozal Town councilor. It’s become a ‘he-said-she-said’ situation that unfolded during the swear-in ceremony of the town council on Friday night. Samos claims that she was physically assaulted by Dillan Cassanova. In a Facebook post, Vega-Samos said, “I was openly assaulted by an individual, and my husband’s life was threatened. This was done by ‘individuals from my own party who are desperate for power”. In response to Vega-Samos’s claims, Cassanova took to social media to present his version of events, asserting that it was Vega-Samos who initiated the confrontation. According to Cassanova, while he was dancing, Vega-Samos bumped into him. He further stated that, after being verbally harassed by Vega-Samos and her companions, he chose to leave the area and subsequently filed a formal complaint with the police. Vega-Samos says she filed a complaint today and is expecting Cassanova to be criminally charged.

Elvia Vega, Area Representative, Corozal Bay

“Hipolito, during the whole swearing in, you had Dylan Casanova coming over to my right side, standing over this side. I’m sitting down and looking at me with eyes of malice. You know, I looked on the other side and then you had other members of Plan Corozal there as well. And I said in my mind, God, you know, just let me focus on what I need to do tonight and let me focus on meeting with the people after this and then go home. And that’s exactly what they did Hipolito. Now, when after Prime Minister left the premises, it got worse. At this time you had Neri Ramirez coming to insult one of the members because of my executive members because he reached out to him and told him to please control, George, to please control Dylan Casanova and the young man Perez. And his response was a very offensive one. As you can see in a video that has been going he, the police actually had to restrain him. I stepped only I would say like two to three tiles away from them to watch Gilharry 7 and the people that were dancing. Now, so the executive, my family are over this side, take into account that nobody’s over this side. So I was standing, watching, observing, when from behind Dylan Casanova came and bumped into me, elbowed me, and I actually lost my balance. I had to try to regain my balance. So when that happened, I didn’t say anything. I looked at him because by then I had seen that it’s him. He turned around, he deliberately turned around, looked at me, laughed, and looked at me as to say, ‘So what are you going to do now?’ So at this point, I turned around and I called the policemen because a fight was about to, to start because all the people, they came over towards him that are from Plan Corozal and they came very aggressive. Josue Perez came wanting to, had a fist in his hand wanting to punch Ms. Zeni Perdomo.”

PM Briceño, “Success Brings Its Own Problems.”

This afternoon, Prime Minister John Briceño weighed in on the internal row between Area Representative Elvia Vega-Samos’ camp and former town councilor Dillan Cassanova in Corozal Town. The incident, he says, is regrettable.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I think success brings its own problems and, you know, people are getting very excited about wanting to represent which is not necessarily a bad thing. But it’s unfortunate that we have this kind of behavior from both sides. I believe that we are one party, one family and if we have any problems we should try to work it out internally and not outside.”

Reporter

“Have you cautioned all parties to [cease and desist?]”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Well that’s a matter for the chairman that deals with these matters and I have already told him that he needs to, I spoke with him over the weekend and he said he’ll be looking into this and see how he can calm things down to be able to move forward.”

Police Investigates Assault Allegation Made by Parliamentarian

Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, was asked about the incident involving Elvia Vega-Samos, during today’s police briefing. He noted that investigators are looking into the complaint and will take the necessary actions.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“It is a matter that yes the police is looking into up in the north. It was brought to my attention asn we are seeing what can be done in the matter.”

Reporter

“The gentleman is saying that Ms. Samos and her husband basically clipped him while they were driving. He said police told him that he wouldn’t be able to make a complaint due to that incident.”

Chester Williams

“I am not aware of that at all. I know a report is made and the police is looking into the matter.”

PM Briceno Explains B.T.L. C.E.O. Vacancy

On Friday, we reported that a vacancy is being advertised for a new Chief Executive Officer at B.T.L. We also reported that Ivan Tesucum has been at the helm of the utility company since 2019. Earlier today, a statement from the company said the Board of Directors will, quote, take the opportunity to utilize the new formal process in light of the pending expiration of the contract of its Chief Executive Officer. This announcement marks an important step in Digi’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the continuous growth and success of the organization. Through this process, the call to interested applicants has been extended and all interested applicants, including the incumbent will be invited to apply, end quote. This afternoon, Prime Minister John Briceno discussed what’s currently taking place at B.T.L.

Prime Minister John Briceño

“In the contract, the board needs to give notice on whether the contract is going to be renewed or not. If he is not given notice then it‘s an automatic renewal. So what the board has decided to do is to list or make an announcement for a position of CEO. It doesn’t mean that the present CEO cannot apply. Of course, the present CEO can apply and if anybody else wants to apply well that is their right to apply for the job.”

Reporter

“You have some experience in these matters and you would know that three weeks which is the portal opening, you can‘t get anyone to take over a very heavy job like that, anyone suitable to take over a very heavy job like that in three weeks. So should we then conclude that it‘s just a formality and the present CEO will be renewed.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“I don‘t know. I think that… I was not aware of the three-week portal. Let us start with that, but I do believe that a number of people have been looking at the possibility of that job being open. So the ones that are interested, I am sure that they need less than three weeks to be able to get in their applications.

Reporter

“We know that in order to get a job like this, you have to be politically favored.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“That’s not true. What we want to do, because if you look at what happened at BEL, we stayed with the present person because we believe that the CEO for BEL is good for BEL. Mr. Mencias, that he is good for BEL, so we hired him and likewise, if the present CEO, if the board believes that he is doing a good job for the company, I am sure that they are going to hire him. They are going to renew his contract, unless somebody anew that can bring fresh ideas or a new direction for the company comes in.”

PM Says He Will Meet with Stake Bank Developer

Last week, the financier for the Stake Bank project, Atlantic Bank, placed the operation into receivership. Marlowe Neal was appointed as the receiver and the bank explained that the purpose of the receivership is to see the project through to its completion. The multi-million-dollar project was due to be completed by now, with restaurants, duty-free shopping, swimming pool, beach activities, and vendors making their living at the facility. But it could not get off the ground and now the bank is projecting to have the facility completed within six months under the receivership. Today, Prime Minister John Briceño told the media that the developer of the project, Michael Feinstein has asked for an audience with him this week, which he has agreed to.

Reporter

“Are you meeting with Mr. Feinstein?

Prime Minister John Briceño

“He asked to meet with me. Yes, I’ll try to meet with him sometime this week, but then Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, I have a budget debate. But, again, Stake Bank is a private issue, and so he asked me to meet with him, and of course. I’ve known Mr. Feinstein for many years. I consider him a friend, and he wants to meet with me, I’ll meet with him.”

Reporter

“And he said on TV, he’s a large campaign (donor) contributor to the PUP – millions of dollars in the last election. That’s what he said, Sir.”

Prime Minister John Briceño

“Why yoh wa say that, Jules? You just want mek ah say things noh true. I would not say anything.”

Son of Accused Belmopan Murder Wanted in the U.S

The son of accused Belmopan murderer, Haitian American, Robert Joseph, is wanted in the United States of America. Twenty-two-year-old David Joseph was seen in surveillance footage dropping off his father at the scene of last week’s murder. Police detained David Joseph for questioning where it was learnt that he is wanted in the U.S. According to police, he has agreed to be extradited.

Reporter

“Has the gentleman’s son been interviewed and can police say whether he has been ruled out?”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“The gentleman’s son is in the U.S. He was wanted in the U.S. and has been sent back to face charges that he was wanted for out there.”

Paul Lopez

“Was he detained here for questioning in relation to this incident?”

Chester Williams

“He was detained and he agreed to be taken back to the U.S.”

The Belmopan Market Plaza will be hosting a candlelight vigil on Wednesday at seven p.m. in memory of Lauren Fiorito and Megan Klassen. The event will take place on the Paradise Café parking lot.