Brianna Bennett - Channel 5 Belize

Murder Charges Dropped: Two Suspects Freed Amid Missing Witness Controversy

Tonight, two men, one from Belize City and another from Roaring Creek, are free from murder charges. George Hyde, twenty-six, and Devaun Garcia, nineteen, were accused of the shooting death of eighteen-year-old Eaton Thompson. Hyde was twenty-three and Garcia was only sixteen when they were charged. Their murder trial came to an unexpected end when the crown counsel dropped the case in the middle of the trial. The reason? He couldn’t locate his key witness, whose testimony was crucial. On April fifteenth, the crown called two witnesses to testify about the difficulties police faced in finding the witness, despite visiting his work and home. Two weeks ago, the crown requested one more adjournment. Today, defense attorney Simeon Sampson, who represented Garcia, was ready to challenge the admissibility of the witness’s statement. He expected the crown to try to enter the witness’ statement into evidence, but instead, they dropped the case. At around 2:15 this afternoon, the crown counsel informed the court they would discontinue the case against Hyde and Garcia. Justice Candace Nanton released the men but reminded them that it does not mean an acquittal. She warned that the murder charges could be reinstated at any time. Sampson explained that the crown’s witness had given police two statements. In the first, he claimed he saw Garcia and Hyde shoot Eaton Thompson while riding his bicycle. Six months later, he recanted, saying he was forced to give the first statement. Eaton Thompson, a resident of Mahogany Heights, was sent to buy tacos for his mother but was tragically gunned down that morning and never made it back home.

Alifah Elrington Steps Down as Head of Prosecution Branch, Returns to Private Practice

Alifah Elrington is stepping down from her role as head of the Prosecution Branch at the end of July. Elrington has been with the Government of Belize for the past six years. This morning, we caught up with her at the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, where she was handling an old case involving a Mexican national and four others, including a female police officer, charged with guns and ammunition after a drug bust in Orange Walk. Elrington confirmed that she had tendered her resignation. She explained that she was appointed as a Senior Crown Counsel with responsibility for the Prosecution Branch six years ago. Now, she’s returning to private practice as an attorney. Elrington mentioned that she had over seventy days of leave outstanding at the end of December 2024, which is why she’s taking immediate leave. During her tenure, Elrington prosecuted many high-profile cases, including the case against Elmer Nah, his wife Epifania Caliz, and his brother-in-law Manuel Caliz, which ended in acquittal. She also handled several cases against police officers and numerous sex crime cases in recent years. Elrington was the prosecutor in the case against former police officer Darrel “Tutsi” Usher, son of Minister Gilroy Usher Jr., who was acquitted of firearm and ammunition charges on April 23, 2024. Her most recent case involved charges being withdrawn against COMPOL Williams’ brother, Arthur Roy Williams. Elrington also prosecuted former police officer Dean Bellini, who was convicted and sentenced to three years in 2023 by then Chief Magistrate Sharon Fraser for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply marijuana, following an Orange Walk bust.

U.S. Secretary of State Rubio Commends PM Briceño in Key Call

Secretary of State Marco Rubio didn’t make it to Belize during his recent whirlwind visit to the Caribbean, but he called Prime Minister John Briceño this morning. Rubio wanted to emphasize the importance of the U.S.-Belize partnership and congratulate Briceño on his March 12th election victory. He recognized Belize’s significant efforts to counter illegal immigration, support Haitian security efforts, and combat transnational organized crime. Secretary Rubio and Prime Minister Briceño discussed tariffs and Belizean commitment and engagement with both the ICJ and Guatemala regarding the Sarstoon River. Secretary Rubio thanked Belize for its efforts as part of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti. Additionally, Secretary Rubio committed to working with Prime Minister Briceño to strengthen the investment climate for U.S. firms in Belize. The call concluded with both leaders expressing their commitment to deepen the strong and cooperative relationship between the United States and Belize.

Bush Fire Destroys Property; Claims Life

On Saturday, a bush fire in Hattieville Village turned tragic, burning down a small home and claiming the life of its owner. The victim, sixty-three-year-old Gerald Hamilton, was a friend, neighbor, and employee of Godwin Smith. Smith told News Five that Hamilton had helped put out a bush fire in the morning but felt sick afterward and went to lie down. Unfortunately, when another bush fire spread to Hamilton’s house early that afternoon, no one realized he was still inside. The fire quickly engulfed the home, and when villagers checked the scene, Hamilton was already dead. Godwin Smith, who was a close friend of Hamilton, shared this heartbreaking story.

Godwin Smith, Friend of Deceased

“My oldest son is forty-three years old, and he mind him from baby. I was living in Gracie Rock and he was there with me. I come here and we met here. So every day he come at my house, we sit down out there just to wait to see when he get in at his house. He out a first fire then apparently he went in his house. He went in the house and the car. He tell my daughter he feel bad and he went in the house. So. my place start catch over there and my daughter went over there. When he went over there, my son called from Belize and tell the wife to come and hail Gerald mek Gerald help her out the fire. But when they come here, the door was open and the bike was there and they only knock on the wall and we hail Gerald but Gerlad nuh answer, so they said Gerald mussi gone. So when I come, immediately I come and I help them out there. When I start helping them out there, then somebody passed by, one truck passed by and tell wi look, one house di burn down here. So I left the hog pen di burn and when I run come here, my daughter tell me Gerlad bike was there too. And then I tell ah definite if Gerald bike there, then Gerald in the house. The house was burned down. When I look, I see another fire sparks open when I look there, I see Gerald head and I see a pelvis. That’s why I call some people and say a body is down here. Gerald’s body is down here.”

Villager Appeals for Water Bowsers to Fight Fires

The wooden structure was small, measuring just fifteen-by-ten feet, but losing his friend is what really hurts Smith. He shared that Hamilton was always willing to run errands for anyone in the village. Now, the community is planning a candlelight vigil for Tuesday night to honor him. Smith is also appealing for water bowsers to be placed in villages prone to bush fires. This idea is currently being considered by the National Fire Service Belize District Station Officer, Gladstone Bucknor.

Godwin Smith, Friend of Deceased

“This is a major loss. This is hurtful. But like I say, I send message to the village of them and I ask them to please “Whenever, when a light a fire, unu try to protect it, because no use of saying dehn da bush fire and da fire weh people light. I ask – mek wa appeal to the village council and say, for five years I di lobby, at least we could get wa water truck go at the police station. At least when we call the police, they got some kind of equipment fi help wi because the distance ah weh the fire truck deh, when they come, with dehn kinda leaf ya the place done burn down, but if you have a water bowser, the police could save life and house.”

Gladstone Bucknor, Station Officer, Belize District

“The guy went out, they were outing bushfires at the time. He was fatigued, he went inside and he was sleeping and we don’t – well, the investigator hasn’t come back and said, “Yes, that the fire actually run towards the building and started the fire. The department along with the Ministry they’re looking into putting in fire stations throughout the villages, particularly Hattieville and probably through Boom area. They’re looking at that. I haven’t confirmed us yet, but that’s one of the main areas they’re looking at. Bushfires actually cause a lot of damage, especially – you can remember the one in PG just by bushfire alone, cause so many damages.”

Five More Cases of Measles in Cayo

Belize has reported five new cases of measles. The outbreak started with two confirmed imported cases on April twelfth. News Five has learned that all five new cases are from the Cayo District and come from the same household. Today, the Ministry of Health and Wellness released a statement saying that after the initial detection, five more cases were found among close contacts linked to the first two cases. They also identified over twenty school contacts: twelve were fully vaccinated, five were unvaccinated, and four had unknown vaccination status. So far, fourteen samples have been sent to Mexico for testing, and all came back negative. The ministry assured the public that they are closely monitoring the close contacts of the confirmed cases to quickly detect and respond to any symptoms.

Outrage Erupts as Princess Cinema Allegedly Screens Pirated Version of ‘Sinners’

Movie fans are up in arms online after claiming that Ramada Princess Cinema showed a pirated version of the much-awaited film Sinners during its recent screening. Many attendees took to social media, posting photos and videos that seemed to show a watermark logo bouncing around the screen throughout the movie — a telltale sign of an unauthorized copy. To make matters worse, viewers reported that the video and audio quality were horrible, likening the experience to watching a low-grade “camrip.” In one Facebook post, a disappointed customer wrote: “I didn’t watch this home because I wanted the HD experience, and I completely regret that decision.” Another upset moviegoer described the experience as “beyond low,” stating: “Your services have disappointed me time and time again, but this will not be tolerated. How many Belizeans did you punk last night?” Many expressed frustration that they were charged full ticket price despite the quality issues, with one poster questioning: “Isn’t that illegal?” News Five tried to reach out to Ramada Princess Cinema via Facebook for a comment, but we haven’t heard back yet. We also tried calling the number listed on their Facebook page, but that didn’t work either.

JLSC Acknowledges Receipt of Complaint Against Justice Hondora

The Judicial and Legal Services Commission has acknowledged receiving Jeremy Enriquez’s complaint against Justice Tawanda Hondora. As we previously reported, Enriquez filed a complaint alleging misconduct and judicial misbehavior during the proceedings of his recent constitutional claim. He is urging the commission to investigate Justice Hondora, claiming that during a recess, Justice Hondora was overheard saying he had already decided to dismiss the application. For context, here’s a portion of the recording where Enriquez’s attorney, Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan, raised the issue with Justice Hondora.

Anand Ramlogan, Attorney-at-Law

“Might I say this for the record my lord. I have seen something disturbing and I want to bring it to your attention for the record. During the break, and my juniors have informed me, they are based in Trinidad and I am based in Fort Lauderdale. During the break I am advised that unfortunately your microphone was on. They have no audience in the court and they couldn’t contact me because I went to have my breakfast. You are recorded as being overheard in saying you have made up your mind to dismiss this application already. It is unfortunate and I want to bring it to your attention because if you have made up your mind say so and I will stop talking now. If that is what the court is saying unintentionally with your microphone on and that is being heard by my juniors and they could not contact me and I am being contacted by WhatsApp that is an important matter. If you have decided this matter without telling me, without the benefits of my submission well come clean and said so, and don’t let me waste my time with the court. I am being frustrated, uninterrupted and trying to assist the court but it seems I am banging my head to a brick wall and I am looking and searching for a mind open to suasion. But if you said that during your break then don’t waste my time.”

Justice Tawanda Hondora, High Court Judge

“Whatever information you have been told is patently incorrect.”

Anand Ramlogan

“Sorry my lord?”

Justice Tawanda Hondora

“Whatever information you have been told is patently incorrect.”

Gales Point Chairman Ready to Support Next Chairman

Earlier today, we heard from Jason Altschaft, the Chairman of Gales Point Village, as the community came together to catch a pig that had tragically killed one of the villagers. Altschaft, who has served two terms as Chairman, is not eligible to run for a third term. He shared with News Five that the role is incredibly demanding and often offers no relief. Although he won’t be sitting in the chairman’s seat anymore, he might still serve as a councilor to support the new leader. The date for the village council elections hasn’t been set yet, but the season is fast-approaching, and Altschaft is ready to lend his support to whoever steps up.

Jason Altschaft, Chairman, Gales Point Village

“I did two terms. It’s very challenging, very hard, a lot of stress and everything is on you. And when you reach out for help, a lot of times you just have to tell people, “I’m sorry, there’s no help,” and I don’t like that. I’m now on the DAVCO and we’re trying to make it more of a thing for rural communities to get more money, so that there would be opportunities to make things done correctly. We all want the right thing, but the ways and means are not always there, but you still have desire and ganas to try.”

A Review of the Weekend in Sports

Good evening and welcome to another edition of Sports Monday. I’m Paul Lopez. The Belize District Football Association’s First Division Tournament heated up this weekend with three exciting matches on Sunday. Tonight, we bring you the highlights from the showdown between Kelly Street Bombers and Tut Bay Football Club.

The starting whistle blows on this one. Kelly Street advances the ball, but Tut Bay quickly snatches it away. Kelly Street regains possession, only for Tut Bay to take it back again. A powerful kick from midfield lands just outside the penalty box. Raymond Gentle gained control from beyond the penalty area and launched a rocket towards the goal. That kick was on target. Tut Bay scored in the first fifteen seconds of the game. Devin Thurton. Twenty-five minutes into the game, Tut Bay made a big defensive play, gaining possession near the goal. A one-man breakaway led to an attempt at a pass in front of the goal, but a Tut Bay player went down inside the penalty box. The referee called a foul and awarded the penalty kick to Tut Bay. Devin Thurton took the penalty shot and sent the ball into the goal.. In the end, Tut Bay triumphed with a solid 3-1 victory.

The tournament continues this weekend. On the other hand, the Premier League of Belize concluded its closing season on Saturday. Verdes F.C. took on San Pedro Pirates for game two of the finals inside the Marshaleck Stadium. After a hard-fought battle, Verdes F.C. clinched victory with a 1-0 win. This marks their fifth championship since the Premier League of Belize was established in 2012. Verdes F.C. is now set to represent Belize in the CONCACAF Central American Cup. We will be following.

And finally, in the world of football, the Belize District Football Association’s Under-Fifteen Female Tournament also continued over the weekend. We have some highlights from two of the matches played. We begin with the game between Alvian Strikers and KP Strikers. In this one, Alvian Strikers completely dominated their opponents, winning the game with seven goals while holding their opponents to zero. Treniece Amaya scored three of the seven goals, finishing with a hattrick, while the remaining four goals were split between Aisha Reyes and Camryn Henry equally. In the second match, Royal Fusion took on Goal Getters. Royal Fusion dominated the match, scoring five goals while their opponents managed just one. Jocelyn Zuniga was the star of the game, netting three of Royal Fusion’s five goals and finishing with a hat trick. Sheren Humes and Maleah Bladen scored one goal each to round off Royal Fusion’s five goals. Adeliza Bowen scored the only goal for Goal Getters.

This past weekend also saw the Fourteenth Annual Weekend Warriors Cycling Classic. The race, from Spanish Lookout to San Cas Plaza in Belize City saw prizes in three categories. We heard from the champion, Greg Lovell Courtesy Ordonez Bike Shop.

Greg Lovell, Winner, Weekend Warriors Cross County

“What happened I ride the Holy Saturday Cross Country. And, that put me in a condition to finish that race. It put me just enough to get into this weekend warrior cross country. It was well done. I ride aggressive. I realize the Weekend Warriors guys like to open gaps. They make you go up front and if you are not careful you can get in the breeze and unable to catch back up. I try stay at the front and work with the guys at the front.”

And finally, here’s the latest on the athletes expected to compete in the upcoming Belize Premier Basketball League. Of the seven teams set to participate, the Capital City Kings from Belmopan have revealed the most players on their roster. Let’s go over some of the names: the Kings have secured former Hurricanes player Brandon “Puddy” Flowers, BEBL Most Improved Player Jayden Lopez, the dynamic and versatile John Kelly, Jevaughn McKenzie, Elvert Ariola, and Nisani Mendez. EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers have announced the signing of 17-year-old Michael Pipersburgh, Kevin Laurie, Alexander Ariola, and Raheem Thurton. The season opener is scheduled for May 16th. Well Folks, that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.