March, 2025 - Channel 5 Belize

Teen Freed of Murder Charge in Businesswoman’s Killing

Nineteen-year-old Dennis Jimenez walked free from court after murder charges against him were dropped in connection with the 2022 killing of 35-year-old businesswoman Vanessa Acevedo. Acevedo was shot dead while closing her establishment in Ladyville when a gunman demanded money. Despite her cooperation, he pulled the trigger, fatally wounding her.

Jimenez, who was 17 at the time, had been charged with her murder. However, three years later, the Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi after the prosecution’s key witness recanted their statement. The witness, who had previously provided a statement implicating Jimenez, testified in court that they did not see anything on the day of the murder and could not identify the shooter.

Justice Derick Sylvester ruled that the caution statement and interview notes were inadmissible as evidence against Jimenez. With no further evidence to proceed, the case was dismissed. Jimenez was represented by attorney Leroy Banner.

Guyana Condemns Venezuelan Naval Incursion into Its Waters

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali has strongly condemned an incursion by a Venezuelan naval vessel into Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) early Saturday morning, calling it a “matter of grave concern.”

According to President Ali, a Venezuelan armed patrol ship entered Guyanese waters at approximately 7:00 AM on March 1, 2025. The vessel approached multiple assets, including the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel Prosperity. Identified by its visible markings, the patrol ship was confirmed to be a Venezuelan Coast Guard vessel, designated BF Will Carry PO-11 IMO 4695542.

During the incident, the Venezuelan vessel transmitted a radio message claiming that Prosperity was operating in “disputed international waters” before continuing its course southwest toward other FPSOs. However, President Ali firmly stated that Guyana’s maritime boundaries are recognised under international law, and the government is treating the situation with the seriousness it demands.

Guyana has already summoned the Venezuelan ambassador to register its strong protest and has instructed its embassy in Caracas to lodge a formal complaint with the Venezuelan government. President Ali also confirmed that Guyana has engaged its international allies, including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, CARICOM, and Brazil, all of whom have responded positively. Additionally, regional partners, including the chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, are actively engaging with Venezuela on the matter.

The president has briefed the opposition leader and will meet with him later today as more details emerge. Meanwhile, Guyana’s Defence Board and military leadership have convened emergency meetings, and air and naval assets have been deployed to secure the country’s EEZ. The government also intends to formally notify the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations Secretary-General, the Commonwealth, and the Organisation of American States (OAS) of the incident.

President Ali made it clear that threats to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be tolerated. He assured the Guyanese people that the government is acting with diligence and will provide further updates as necessary.

Police Suspect Two Belizeans Among Five Bodies Dumped in Chetumal

Mexican authorities discovered the bodies of five men near the Rio Hondo River in Sacxan, Quintana Roo, early Saturday morning. Belize police believe two of the victims are Belizeans from Corozal with known ties to Mexican cartels.

Reports indicate that the Belizeans had been evading law enforcement. Their names have not been released pending notification of their families, but sources confirm they were 18 and 27 years old and wanted for multiple crimes in Corozal.

The bodies showed signs of torture, each with a gunshot wound to the head. Two of the bodies had cardboard signs placed on them. One message, translated from Spanish, warned against extortion and theft, stating, “This is for all those who are charging protection fees and those who do not allow businesses like cigarette vendors… Stop stealing. Sincerely, you know who.”