August, 2024 - Channel 5 Belize

Belizean Woman Allegedly Killed by Father in the U.S.

Belizean, 25-year-old Marbella Martinez is believed to have been killed by her father, 54-year-old Hector Martinez-Ayala.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that the death of Deputy Marbella Martinez is being investigated as suspicious. Martinez, a corrections officer, was found deceased on Thursday, Aug. 1, and the Tooele Police Department is leading the investigation, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office.

Martinez’s mother, Barbara Jimenez, told US media outlets that Martinez had a disagreement with her father on July 30. The next day, Marbella mentioned feeling unwell and intended to call in sick for work.

“The last message I received from her was around 2 p.m.,” said Jimenez, who resides in Belize but maintained daily contact with Martinez. Concerned after losing contact, Jimenez reached out to her ex-husband, who initially claimed Marbella was at work, then began avoiding her messages. “He said he was busy and would call me back later. Then he said he was busy feeding his cats and dogs,” recounted Jimenez.

Unable to reach either Martinez or her ex-husband, Jimenez contacted Hector’s brother in Salt Lake County, who promised to check on them. He found the house locked, and soon after, police discovered Martinez deceased in her bedroom, with no sign of her father.

“We know he killed her,” Jimenez stated, expressing her belief that Martinez-Ayala, known for his temper, was responsible. “I just want justice for my daughter. She was beautiful and kind and had the rest of her life to live.”

No gunshots or suspicious activities were reported prior to her discovery. “There are some details we can’t disclose right now, but there were signs to any well-trained detective of what likely occurred,” said Corporal Bentley, indicating they await test results to determine the cause of death.

Marbella’s death is under investigation as suspicious, with her father named a person of interest. “He’s not in custody at this time. We’re working with federal and state agencies to locate him,” said Bentley, noting a possibility that Hector may have fled the country.

“Deputy Martinez was a dedicated and beloved member of our team. Her untimely and tragic death is a profound loss for us all,” stated Sheriff Rosie Rivera. Deputy Martinez joined the Sheriff’s Office on January 11, 2024, as a Corrections Officer, demonstrating a strong commitment to her community in her brief tenure.

Belizean Powerlifter Amorette Banman Wins Gold at North American Powerlifting Championships

16-year-old Amorette Banman has made history for Belize at the 21st North American Powerlifting Championships. Competing in the 63kg weight class for sub juniors for ages 14 to 19, Banman outshone her competitors, including those from the USA, to secure gold medals in three categories: Squats, Deadlifts, and Overall. Additionally, she earned a silver medal in Bench Press.

This makes it a historic milestone for Belize as Banman becomes the first female Junior powerlifter from Belize to win a gold medal at a regional powerlifting event.

In a country where sports like powerlifting might not always take centre stage, Banman’s success reflects immense discipline, dedication, and sacrifice.

Minister Criticizes Media Handling on 15-Year-Old American Shark Attack

On Tuesday morning, a 15-year-old American sustained severe injuries in a shark attack between Hot Caye and Halfmoon Caye. The incident occurred after Annabelle Carlson, who was participating in a diving excursion with Belize Dive Pro, re-entered the water post-dive.

In a statement to News 5, Minister of Blue Economy Andre Perez confirmed that the victim is alive but noted that the extent of the injuries is still unknown. “We’re being informed that the victim is okay, is alive, made it. What is the magnitude of the damage, we don’t know as yet,” Perez said.

Gruesome pictures of the attack made it on social media.

Perez condemned the media for their “inconsiderate” handling of the incident. “I think the only part that I must call out and condemn it in the strongest of terms, is the way certain members of the media handled it. I’m not accusing everyone but I think that the responsibility of the media is very important because we’re talking about a family that’s hurt right now, and you don’t want to add any more injury to them. I think that’s a disservice,” he remarked.

Addressing concerns from tourists about safety, Perez emphasised the rarity of such incidents. “This is a very rare case, while we are saddened about it, we look at the facts. For the past 30 years, as such we have never had any kind of, this type of accident… There’s nothing to be worrying about,” he assured.

Benque Fiesta 2024 Flops, Thousands of Dollars in Losses

The Benque Viejo Town Council is reporting a loss of $58,192 for its recently held Benque Fiesta. The Council spent $177,223.65 and made a total income of $119,031.56.

In a Facebook post, the council said, “It is a real shame at the significant loss that has occurred during the recent fair, Benque Fiesta 2024. Despite hard-worked efforts and planning, it has resulted in considerable waste of resources.” The Council added that Hurricane Beryl, along with the lack of support from the town residents, impacted the success of the ‘fiesta’.

It said, “The primary causes of the loss were Hurricane Beryl and unexpected bad weather. Additionally, the support from the community for the events was not as anticipated. Lack of support for administrative events does not harm the administration but rather the people of Benque, as these events are designed to benefit the community.”

It said that next year’s fair will be managed differently.

Belize’s Leo Matura Wins Bronze at Powerlifting Championship

Belizean powerlifter Leo Matura has secured two bronze medals at the 21st Annual North American Powerlifting (NAPF) Championship. Competing in the Men’s Open Division 74kg weight class, Matura achieved notable success with third-place finishes in both the bench press and deadlift categories.

At 33 years old and in his third year of competition, Matura’s performance stood out as he lifted a combined total of 630 kg to 650 kg. In addition to his bronze medals, Matura also received a participation medal.

The event featured 362 athletes from across the Americas. Matura’s competed against participants from the USA, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, and the US Virgin Islands.

Kinetic Health and Fitness praised Matura’s performance on social media, noting his impressive results in a tight competition.

Five more Belizean athletes will be competing as the championship progresses until Saturday.

Missing Barge Crew Member Found Dead

The body of Cecil Lewis, a 58-year-old crew member who went missing from a barge near Caye Chapel, was fished out of the sea today by members of the Belize Coast Guard. Lewis’s sister, Janet Lewis Hislop, said on a Facebook post, “His body was found this morning by the Coast Guard.”

Two days ago, Patricia Lewis urged the community to continue their prayers for Lewis’s safe return. Lewis was reported to have disappeared on the evening of August 4 after boarding the barge at Ladyville Pier. According to reports, Lewis was last seen in a grey t-shirt and black pants. He was accompanied by three others who had been drinking on the vessel.

Most Wanted Slovak Captured in Belize During Anti-Drug Raid

Slovakia’s most wanted fugitive was apprehended in Belize on July 30, 2024, during a high-profile anti-drug operation in Dangriga. Authorities seized over 200 kilogrammes of marijuana and 170 grammes of cocaine. The operation, which began at 6 a.m., led to the discovery of a deep freeze and multiple containers filled with drugs.

Four individuals were detained. Among those detained was Slovakian national Ladislav Lipták, 34, who is one of the most wanted fugitives in Slovakia. Lipták was apprehended along with three Belizean nationals: his 26-year-old girlfriend Winsy Richie, her 22-year-old brother Yessi Gomez, and Dennis Robinson, 53, the property owner.

Lipták had evaded capture since a 2020 European arrest warrant related to a major drug operation known as the Tower. Notably, another Slovak criminal, Karol Mello, also remains at large in Belize, having escaped previous charges and accusations of serious crimes.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that Lipták has been charged, following witness statements that provided sufficient evidence for prosecution. “Witnesses came forward, provided statements to the police, which was sufficient for us to be able to get sufficient evidence to charge him,” said Commissioner Williams.

Solo Olympian Shaun Gill Says Resources for Sports in Belize ‘Not as Great’

Competing in the 100-meter sprint at the Stade de France, Shaun Gill secured a commendable sixth place as the solo olympian representing Belize. In this year’s games, Gill carried Belize’s hope alone. Gill first made his debut at Tokyo in 2020.

In an interview with CNA, the 31-year- old highlighted the difficulties faced by athletes in Belize, noting that while resources are gradually improving, they still fall short of what is needed for Olympic-level training. Doing most of his training in the United States while studying at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Gill has garnered himself as an experienced competitor.

“Back home in terms of resources for sports, it’s not as great or where it should be. But it’s slowly getting there,” Gill explained. “That’s the reason I had to do most of my training in America…Back home, it’s not as good facilities, financing, coaching. I had to leave to get better coaching, a…better environment,” he said.

Marking his retirement from athletics, Gill declared, “It feels really good (to represent the country), this is the most support I’ve ever gotten. I’m speaking not just at home but across the globe…The performance wasn’t good, but it’s a good way to go out.”

Murder in Orange Walk Town

A man was murdered in Orange Walk on Tuesday night. The victim has been identified as Carlos Canelo. Investigators say that Canelo had just arrived home on Monkey River Street when he was targeted. He was shot in the face and chest. He died on the scene.

Canelo is believed to have been connected to a previous murder on the same street. Reports indicate he was a person of interest in the fatal shooting of 60-year-old Norman Gillett about a month ago.

Police are investigating.

Armed Hold-up Ends in Deadly Shooting of Suspect

An intruder was shot and killed during a brazen armed robbery at around eleven-thirty this morning in Belize City. The incident happened near the Cinderella Plaza at the Cambranes Building, which houses several businesses on the lower flat. The holdup did not go according to plan for the three men, who, we understand, got away with some keys, but in the process, one of them was shot dead. News Five’s Marion Ali was at the scene and filed this report.

Marion Ali, Reporting

It was not business as usual today for Casa Churro at the Cambranes Building on Freetown Road. Sometime around eleven-thirty this morning, a small car pulled up and three men stepped out. One of them, armed with a gun, accosted the proprietor outside of the bakery. The gunman shoved the businessman in the door and that was what caught the attention of someone we spoke with at the scene.

Voice of: Eyewitness

“I mi di sit and dem just come here and dehm shub ah pahn the burglar bar and one gone with him and dehn put up the shutters and then they put him in [the door] and then some noise mi happen then the next one mi gone eena the vehicle and he get some things and just run weh. And his lee son mi come and tell me fi call police then da right deh we call the police and da right deh dem mi come.”

Marion Ali

“So they got away with anything as far as –“

Voice of: Eyewitness

“I nuh really sure if they got away with something, but I think dehn get his key or something because dem mi gone eena the vehicle and I heard he never find out his key again.”

Quick police response led to the apprehension of the two accomplices and the driver, in the car they used to carry out the crime. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams told reporters this evening what the police found when they arrived at the scene.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“Police responded to the area where, upon arrival, they met a male person who had complained to them, and they also saw the lifeless body of a male person in a yard with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Police also responded to the immediate area where they also intercepted a taxi and inside the taxi contained two individuals plus the driver. Those two individuals in the vehicle were identified as Maleek Chavez and Leroy Garoy. The person who was found at the scene has been identified as one Leroy Smith.”

ComPol Williams provided additional details, including the fact that investigators are treating the incident as an aggravated burglary.

Chester Williams

“Information suggests that the three persons, um, had gone to rob this place and in the process the person who occupies that premises, relieved the gunman of his weapon and fatally shot him. After that occurred, the next individual jumped into a taxi and made good their escape. But thankfully, the quick response of the police, they were able to be detained, not too far away. And, a search of them revealed the discovery of a cell phone and a bangles, which are items that are stolen during the – well, the call was about a robbery in progress, but actually it’s a aggravated burglary report. And the two individuals are in custody along with the taxi man, and police are conducting interviews. We believe that they’re going to be charged.”

The incident happened just before the lunch hour, when traffic at the intersection gets even busier. It took the coordinated efforts of several police officers at the location to divert traffic away from the scene, while keep the traffic free flowing. Marion Ali For News Five.