Three people were injured in the terrifying plane hijacking incident that occurred last Thursday. Fortunately, no passengers were fatally wounded, and the three men who were stabbed in the incident are in stable condition. According to authorities, passengers Jair Castaneda and Fitzgerald Brown have been released, while pilot Howell Grange remains hospitalized. When the plane finally landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport, hijacker Akinyela Taylor was fatally shot by one of the passengers, who was armed with a licensed gun. Today, we asked Commissioner of Police, Chester William’s if authorities are considering levying charges against the shooter for Taylor’s death. Here’s what he had to say.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“That is not something that is going to be decided by the police. But I can tell you from a legal standpoint looking at section thirty of the criminal court, which deals with just abuse of force and harm, it says that a person may use force even to the extreme necessity to kill in certain circumstances. And those circumstances include where it is perceived that one is going to cause grievous by the harm to another or. Even greater than that. And the force use can be either in defense of yourself or another person concern situation that confront those persons on board, that flight where the lives of fourteen of fifteen other persons were in danger by a knife-wielding man who had injured three persons on board that flight. It would be reasonable to say that he tforce use was justified. And so what we are going to do is put the file together and we send to the DPP for final determination.”
Prior to the hijacking of the plane, Akinyela Taylor was involved in several concerning incidents that attracted the police’s attention. Earlier this month, Taylor caused a disturbance at the Philip Goldson International Airport when he attempted to board a United Airlines flight to the U.S. without a ticket, prompting security to remove him. After the incident, Taylor tried to enter Mexico but was denied entry there and back into Belize. Police later found him hiding in an abandoned building in the Corozal Free Zone. Officers confronted him but released him, which has raised concerns among the public about whether the hijacking could have been prevented if Taylor had been detained. Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, responded to that criticism earlier today.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Taylor first arriving to the country through the Philip Goldson International Airport. He subsequently left the country and may have gone over to the Mexican side. Apparently when he went to Mexico, he did not pass for immigration, so there was no stump. From immigration to show that he had gone over to Mexico and vice versa, from Mexico coming back into Belize. And so based on that, immigration had denied him entry into the country at the northern border. In a situation like that, where a person is refused entry, what happens is that person is sent back to where they’re coming from. If it was a situation where they were coming through the PGIA, what immigration would do, they would issue an RLL- refuse leave to land. You would then be put on a next flight back out of the country. In this case, it’s a land border. So what happens is that he’s not allowed entry. So he went back over to the Mexican side. I think sometime on Sunday, not Sunday, I think perhaps Wednesday night he was seen in the free zone again, to be in a free zone. If you’re coming from Mexico, you don’t pass through immigration. You would know the immigration station is after free zone. So once you are a tourist from Mexico or whatever, you can have access to the free zone without immigration authorization. So he was found there. The matter was reported to Mr. Rosado. Mr. Rosado had directed the police that there was no offense committed because he was in the free zone area and he would not have reached immigration. So not even an immigration offense would’ve been committed. And so based on that, he had said that the person did not commit any offense. And I totally agree with Mr. Rosado. And any detention then would’ve been an unlawful detention.”
After multiple encounters with immigration officials, the hijacker successfully re-entered Belize and bought a ticket for a domestic flight. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams expressed uncertainty about how Taylor managed to cross the northern border, emphasizing the urgent need to bolster security in these vulnerable areas. Williams also mentioned that authorities will be reviewing and enhancing security protocols at municipal airports to prevent similar incidents in the future. Stay tuned for more details on this developing story.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“It so happens that Mr. Taylor, went back over into the Mexican side and how he eventually returned into the country. We don’t know. But again, I’ve said before, our border is very porous in that area and so he could have easily stepped back into the country. We also hearing information now that he had assaulted some police officers, which was never reported to myself or Mr. Rosado. And certainly if Mr. Rosado was told that he had assaulted any police, I’m sure. That he would not have directed, that the man not be detained. And even if a person assaults the police, you don’t need to seek permission from the commissioner, the deputy commissioner, even your command to arrest that person. There is that person there and then there is no need for you to call and say, this person assault me. What can I do? No, you don’t need to do that.”
Reporter
“So there is a legal provision for you to carry a license firearm on an aircraft? I’m not familiar with that.”
Chester Williams
“I don’t think I have said that. No. And there is nothing either to say that you cannot. Yes. We would hope that nobody would be able to board an air airline with any kind of weapon. And I believe at the time it’s coming that we are going to get there. It’s a work in progress. There is always a possibility for anything to occur. It is a matter for us to make sure that we learn from this experience. None of us who were involved in this entire process had any prior. Experience in dealing with a plane hijacking incident. None of us. But we had to be creative, we had to be reasonable and adapt strategies that we believe is going to work that is going to yield the result that we got. And I think that all the agencies are involved, the police, the, civil aviation, the airport authority, the BDF really and truly performed exceptionally well. Our efforts were well coordinated.”
The Coc family of Punta Gorda experienced a horrific Easter holiday when one of their loved ones was brutally murdered. Around nine on Good Friday morning, Jeremiah Coc’s body was found in the Indianville area. Police were called to a spot behind a house on Mahogany Street, where they discovered Coc with multiple chop wounds to his neck and back. Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero informed reporters that Coc had been socializing before his murder. The two individuals charged are twenty-seven-year-old construction worker Axel Zetino and a seventeen-year-old Guatemalan.
“On Friday, the 18th of April, 2025, around 8:55 a.m., Punta Gorda Police responded to the discovery of a body on Mahogany Street in Punta Gorda. Upon their arrival, they saw the lifeless body of a male person with several chop wounds. The person was identified as Jeremiah Coc of Punta Gorda. An investigation was carried out, which revealed that Coc was along several persons at a bar drinking. Thereafter, they left and thereafter his body was discovered. Investigation has led to the arrest of Axel Zetino and a 17-year-old who were jointly charged with the crime of murder.”
Britney Gordon
“Is there any motive?”
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero
“They were drinking and they had some dispute. That is what led to the chopping incident.”
Reporter
“Sir, is there any connection between the deceased and who was arrested?
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero
“ Yes. They know each other. They were at the bar together.
Britney Gordon
“Do we have any insight into what they might have been arguing?
Meanwhile, a man from Punta Gorda is still in the hospital after being shot in the neck. Thirty-five-year-old Derrick Hines was shot around nine o’clock on Saturday night on Prince Street in Punta Gorda. Hines had to be transferred from Punta Gorda to the Western Regional Hospital for treatment. A.C.P. Romero reports that Hines is now in stable condition and that another man has been charged in connection with the shooting.
“On Saturday nine 30th of April, 2025, PG Police responded to a shooting on Prince Street at Punta Gorda Town. Upon arrival, they saw Derrick Hines with gunshot injuries. He was taken for treatment where he is in a stable condition. Investigations revealed that he was at his yard when a male person came down and fired several shots towards the direction. Investigation was carried out and since then Felix Gonzalez has been arrested and charged for the crimes of attempted murder and use of deadly means of harm.”
Britney Gordon
“Was Derrick by himself?”
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero
“Yes, he was by himself.”
Reporter
“Is there any idea why this happened?”
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero
“This is an ongoing railroad, two groups in Punta Gorda.”
Reporter
“And Hines is known to be affiliated with one of them?”
Last Thursday, a woman shared her family’s deep concern when her brother, thirty-three-year-old Jeremy Mushlar, went missing while fishing alone near Tobacco Caye on Tuesday night. Mushlar had traveled to the small island to fish with three others who were in a separate boat. When they decided to return due to poor fishing luck, Mushlar reportedly chose to stay out longer in his dorey. He has not been seen since. Today, the family’s hopes were further crushed with the news that an unidentified body had been discovered. A.C.P. Romero stated that the body has yet to be identified.
“On Saturday, 18th of April, 2025, Dangriga Police respond to a report that a body of a person was found east of Dangriga by Thatch Caye. Police responded where they saw the decomposed body of a male person. The body was taken to the morgue and is now awaiting a postmortem examination. Also we’re trying to establish the identity of this person.”
Britney Gordon
“What condition was the body in? Were there any injuries?”
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero
“No injuries were observed, but we are awaiting the post-mortem examination.”
Britney Gordon
“And around what age is this person?”
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero
“I cannot say. That will be determined by the postmortem.”
Tonight, Punta Rock lovers across the nation are mourning the death of a beloved musician. On Thursday, Deon Ogaldez, popularly known by his artist’s name, Concego, was involved in a road traffic incident along the Hummingbird Highway and later succumbed to his injuries. Ogaldez was well-known for the song “Sidown and Bounce” and is remembered as a loving son, brother, and friend. ACP Hilberto Romero provided more details on the incident today.
“On Thursday police responded to a road of accident near Armenia. Luis Esquivel reported he was driving a van when a motorcycle attempted to overtake another vehicle collided into his vehicle. The person fell on the street and sustained several injuries. The person was taken for treatment. He was identified as Deon Ogladez, and he received several injuries. He received treatment and died thereafter at the hospital. An investigation is being carried out. The file will be put together, sent to the DPP for directives.”
Reporter
“Any NIP issued?”
Hilberto Romero
“NIP served, and a urine sample was obtained from both drivers.”
Another family is mourning the death of a loved one after a collision in the Orange Walk District claimed the life of Carlos Landaverde. According to authorities, Landaverde was travelling along the Guinea Grass Road when his truck collided with a black SUV, resulting in his fatal injuries. He was at Northern Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. ACP Hilberto Romero has a full report.
“On Monday, the twenty-first day of April, 2025, police responded to a theater road traffic accident at Guinea Grass. Upon the arrival is a white Chevy S10 pickup and a Ford Explorer vehicle with extensive damages. Carlos Landaverde was the driver of the S10 Chevy pickup. He received several injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford Explorer was Oscar Garcia. NIP, served, urine sample taken, and again, the file will be prepared and sent to the DPP for directives.”
A raging fire at the Western Sanitary Landfill has been burning for nearly a day and a half. While it was a major concern on Monday night, an official from the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority assures that the blaze is now under control and will soon be extinguished. The fire started mid-morning on Monday in the brush near the facility, likely set by someone seen in the area just minutes before. This raises the issue of the dangers posed by deliberately set fires that can quickly spread, threatening lives and property. The flames came dangerously close to the transfer station buildings, making it a priority to save them. But there’s good news this evening—the fire is expected to be fully extinguished by tonight. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.
Marion Ali, Reporting
This video, posted on Monday night, shows a raging fire out of control and threatening anything in its path. This was the scene near the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority’s Western Sanitary Landfill as night fell. The fire was dangerously close to the facility’s buildings, but thanks to quick teamwork among the National Fire Service, the San Ignacio/Santa Elena Town Council, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the structures were saved.
Rojelio Pop
Rojelio Pop, Operations Manager, BSWAMA
“Our protocol is working reasonably okay. Our priority had to change from actually containing the fire yesterday and we moved to protecting the buildings and the offices that you see here. So we created that buffer – fifteen to twenty feet – away from the building because the waste was really close to the buildings. So that had to be our priority, dowsing with the help of MIDH and private companies providing water. We had about three fire trucks here – continuous operation until we had to move the garbage away from the buildings.”
San Ignacio/Santa Elena Mayor Earl Trapp was one of the first to offer his resources to help.
Earl Trapp
Earl Trapp, Mayor, San Ignacio/Santa Elena
“I was called out about one thirty in the afternoon and told that the fire was getting out of control and the place was catching fire and they needed support. I tried my best to get the town council’s heavy-duty equipment out there. I had a problem getting the operator, so the best I could have done was to get our water bowser and I had the driver take that out there and that’s how we were basically supplying the fire engine with water. I called some other friends and they came and so we had five bowsers out there.”
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development quickly stepped in to provide an excavator, which is still at the site helping out. With all the resources working together to extinguish the fire, Rojelio Pop, the operations manager at BSWAMA, is hopeful that the blaze will be completely under control by early tonight.
Rojelio Pop
“We don’t have a definite timeline, but what we’re hoping for is that we can bringit under complete control by this evening. As long as we have a sustained supplyof water – we have these machines, they are willing to work, but water is theproblem. Once we can sustain the flow of water, we should be able to get it undercontrol, hopefully by tonight.”
Pop assured that the work crew fighting the fire is equipped with proper gear to protect them from the toxic fumes coming from the burning garbage.
Rojelio Pop
“Those guys who are operating the machines are receiving some sort of help from the fire service in terms of smoke masks that are complemented with the use of direct oxygen so that oxygen does not get into their lungs or they do notinhale all that toxic smoke. So they’re inhaling oxygen at this point.”
But even though firefighting efforts are in full swing, the business of collecting and dumping garbage continues, according to the Acting Director, Aldo Cansino.
Aldo Cansino
Aldo Cansino, Acting Director, BSWAMA
“If you notice in the background you have two trucks waiting. The process here will not stop. It will continue. We will continue to load garbage from within the transfer station and that will continue to move, hence the priority initially was to make sure that we have the site secured so that the operations can continue. This morning we had a bit of a delay because we still had some issues, but the trucks are here and we should get back on track.”
Mayor Trapp strongly believes that human carelessness is to blame for the blaze.
Earl Trapp
“According to the watchman, he saw someone walk out of the bushes, which is about 2,000 feet from the transfer station and about ten minutes after he saw smoke, So he is believing that’s where the fire started.”
Although there’s no surveillance to identify the culprit, fortunately, there are no residential communities nearby. Plus, the wind is blowing the smoke towards the hills, so it shouldn’t pose much of a threat to anyone. Marion Ali for News Five.
Over the past year, Mayor Earl Trapp of San Ignacio/Santa Elena has been vocal about the poor management of garbage at the western landfill facility run by the Belize Solid Waste Management Authority, located just outside the town. Trapp’s main concern is that the garbage hasn’t been moved to the transfer station at mile twenty-four on the George Price Highway quickly enough. This has led to heaps of trash piling up, even in front of the buildings at the landfill, leaving little room for more waste. Today, we noticed some improvements as the garbage piled at the front has been cleared away. However, Trapp is still urging for a proper system to be put in place.
Earl Trapp
Earl Trapp, Mayor, San Ignacio/Santa Elena
“They will need to put proper procedures in place to manage the garbage and to dispose of it so that we don’t come to that again because we were there in December of last year and it was really out of control, so I think that BSWAMA will need to do something to better is disposed of and then carried to the station. Get it out of that compound in a timely manner so it will not pile up like we saw in December. Right now I have a truck there from morning and still it cannot empty. Benque has garbage to take, the resorts have garbage to take so something has to be done so that garbage can be disposed of there as quickly as possible.”
