Woman and Man Shot at Home in Libertad

A shooting in Libertad Village on Sunday night left two people injured. The victims, a man and a woman, were shot in the legs during a violent attack around 7:20 p.m. The couple was ambushed by unknown assailants but, fortunately, their injuries weren’t severe. Police have one suspect in custody but are still working to determine a motive as the investigation continues. News Five’s Marion Ali has the details.

 

Marion Ali, Reporting

Edwin Gomez and Reyna Tobar were rushed to Corozal Town Hospital after being shot at their home in Libertad Village on Sunday night. Fortunately, the couple, who work at the Corozal Free Zone, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. They’ve since been transferred to the Northern Regional Hospital for further care. Tobar’s father, Eulalio Tobar, told News Five that the family is baffled as to why his daughter and her common-law husband were targeted. They did learn, however, that the gunmen were two men on separate motorbikes.

 

Eulalio Tobar, Father of Shooting Victim

“The incident happened around 7:30 when 12 gunshots were fired. Three of those shots hit her—one in each leg and one in her buttocks. The other person was shot twice in the feet. That was it.”

 

Reporter

“Were these gunmen on bicycles, in a vehicle, or on foot?”

 

Eulalio Tobar

“They were on a motorcycle. In two motorcycles.”

 

Reporter

“Two motorcycles?”

 

Eulalio Tobar

“Yes, two motorcycles: a big and a small motorcycle.”

 

Reporter

“Were they wearing masks, caps?”

 

Eulalio Tobar

“Yes, they were completely covered, hooded outfits. I have no idea what the reason behind them getting targeted is. I don’t know if they have some disagreement; I don’t know.”

Chairman of Libertad Village, Areini Swazo, mentioned that this isn’t the first time violence has struck their neighborhood. It brings a sense of fear to an otherwise peaceful village. He said he has tried to engage the youths in positive recreation.

 

On the Phone: Areini Swazo, Chairman, Libertad Village

“That does put fear in our people. I mean, in our villages, to be honest, we had a previous shooting, I think right around the same area. And, honestly, people shed concerns. People spoke about it. I tried to get the youth involved in sports so as to get them off of violence on different things and also, I think bring on negative impact on our village. Actually, it’s hard to even continue. I mean, what can I do. So, to deal with these situations, I’m trying my best to try get the youth them off the street and get them more into sporting activities, get them more Involved in the village, you know.”

 

The police forensic team has recovered several spent nine-millimeter shell casings from the scene, backing up neighbors’ reports of hearing multiple shots. At first, they thought it was just dynamite going off. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero shared what investigators have gathered so far.

 

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Edwin Gomez reported he was at home when he heard his dogs barking. He came out to make checks. That is when he heard several gunshots and realized he was shot.  Uh, the person followed him and fired more shots. And also injured was his common-law-wife, Reina Tobar. We have one person in custody in regard to this shooting. They both remain in stable condition at the hospital. We do not have a motive. Uh, follow ups are being done at this time.”

 

Currently, police officers use the upper flat of the Libertad Health Clinic to keep a presence in the village, but Chairman Swazo says he has asked for a police station.

 

On the Phone: Areini Swazo

“We tried to get police into the area and, I think they moved the police from this side. So I mean, it’s somethivery hard for a village.”

 

Marion Ali

“Okay, so you’ve been seeking police presence as in a booth?”

 

On the Phone: Areini Swazo

“Well, not a booth, but at least a station, you know, and more police presence, I mean, patrols and thing within the village.”

 

Marion Ali for News Five.