hipolito - Channel 5 Belize

Five Charged in Cattle Theft and Animal Cruelty Case

Police have formally arrested and charged five individuals in connection with a disturbing case of cattle theft and animal cruelty.

According to authorities, three male minors—ages 15, 16, and 17—were jointly charged along with 20-year-old Raheem Herbert and 19-year-old Tyreek Straughn. The group faces charges of cattle theft, cruelty to animals, and abetment to commit cruelty to animals.

The charges follow statements recorded by police and the review of video footage linked to the case. The three minors were read the charges in the presence of their guardians.

Mangrove-Friendly Projects Win Big in Belize Sustainability Contest

Belize’s mangrove forests are critical for protecting coastlines, supporting marine life, and fighting climate change—but they’re under threat. Over 50% of global mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse, and by 2050, thousands more square kilometres could be lost or submerged without urgent action, says Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet.

To spark change, WWF and key partners launched the Mangrove Friendly Development Challenge 2024, recognising sustainable projects that preserve mangroves on private lands.

“Mangroves are under a lot of stress… from development,” said WWF Belize’s Nadia Bood. “We wanted to engage the public, the development sector, and the government… to effect change.”

This year’s top honour went to El Ben Cabanas, a beachfront resort that preserved its mangroves to enhance both beauty and resilience.

“I was really shocked and really, really happy, humbled that we were recognised,” said Manager Saira Mahabir. She credited owner Brian McWaters, who designed the resort around the mangroves instead of clearing them. “If you look at the seaside, you will see all the mangroves—you wouldn’t see the resort at all.”

Beverly Wade, CEO of Blue Economy & Marine Conservation, added: “We need to stop seeing mangroves as something to mow down. They’re functional, beautiful, and come with so many co-benefits.”

ComPol Confirms Belize City Murder Was Retaliation for Belmopan Shooting

Police Commissioner Chester Williams has confirmed that the recent murder of Luis Marin in Belize City was an act of retaliation connected to a previous shooting incident in Belmopan.

Commissioner Williams said the police had been proactive in efforts to prevent retaliatory attacks. “In the aftermath of that shooting, there was a lot that we did to try and avert any possible retaliation, particularly in the Belmopan, Cotton Tree and Roaring Creek areas,” he stated.

However, the retaliation unfolded in Belize City, away from the areas police were closely monitoring. “Unfortunately… the retaliation took place in Belize City in an area where we did not anticipate it to have occurred. Nonetheless, the police remain extremely vigilant in the areas of concern,” Williams said.

The victim, Luis Marin, was shot and killed in the Majestic Alley. Police have since detained the suspected killer. “The suspect for that matter is in custody, and he should be charged today and should be appearing in court sometime this afternoon,” Williams confirmed.

He also responded to public criticism that the suspect was not publicly listed as “wanted” by the police. Williams explained that legal considerations prevented them from issuing a wanted poster.

Police Investigate Stolen License Plates in Southside Belize City

License plate thefts on Maris Deena Street in Southside Belize City have left residents frustrated and facing unexpected expenses. The incident, which occurred early Tuesday morning, saw at least nine vehicles targeted by thieves who made off with license plates and two car batteries. Some of the stolen plates were reportedly left behind, damaged beyond use.

Now, residents are dealing with the hassle of filing police reports and making several trips to the Traffic Department to replace their plates—an inconvenience they say is both time-consuming and costly.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that investigators are actively working on the case. “I know it’s something the police is looking at,” said Williams. “I’m not sure if they have received any leads on that issue, but again, they’re working in tandem with the traffic department to see what, if anything, can be obtained.”

“It seems to be something that… forms part of the tourism industry because, again, I know that sometimes tourists may want to buy a license plate and take it back to their respective country so that they can show, ‘Well, I was in Belize, and I got this license plate from Belize,’” he said.

But he warned that stolen plates could also be used for criminal purposes. “It can also be another issue where the license plates have been stolen with the intent that they be used… to place on other vehicles to commit crime. So, we have to look at it from all angles.”

In the meantime, police are encouraging anyone with information on the stolen plates or those responsible to come forward.

All Suspects Caught, Teens to Be Arraigned for Horse Abuse

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that the individuals involved in the shocking horse abuse incident have been charged with three offences: cruelty to animals, abetment to commit cruelty to animals, and cattle theft.

“When we do charge, we have to charge based on evidence that exists in the violence,” Commissioner Williams stated.

The Commissioner also spoke of the role of social services in addressing the underlying issues that may contribute to such behaviour among minors. “That is a responsibility of social, and the social department is here. I am sure that they have interviewed the children and those minors involved,” he noted, indicating that a social inquiry report would be part of the court proceedings.

Williams also acknowledged that while many young people show affection towards their animals, there may be a lack of resources to properly care for them. He suggested that organisations like the Humane Society could play a role in assisting these individuals. “Perhaps it can just be that they don’t have the means to properly care for them,” he said.

The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws and greater community involvement in preventing such acts.

Belizean DJ Tash Earns Historic Nomination at Caribbean Music Awards 2025

Belize is beaming with pride as local talent Tasheena “DJ Tash” Bowden has been nominated for International Female DJ of the Year at the prestigious 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards 2025.

Representing the Jewel on a global stage, DJ Tash took to social media to share the milestone with her followers, writing:

“I just got nominated for ‘International Female DJ of the Year’ for the 3rd Annual Caribbean Music Awards 2025. A milestone achieved for us all. Let’s make history and put Belize on the map to win this award!”

The award show, which will take place on August 28 at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, celebrates the best of Caribbean music and culture. This year’s expanded categories include recognition for artists and DJs from across the diaspora—including Latin, French, and Dutch Caribbean regions. DJ Tash’s nomination marks a significant moment for Belize’s presence in the Caribbean entertainment scene.

Fans can vote for DJ Tash at caribmusicawards.com. With her nomination, DJ Tash isn’t just chasing a win—she’s waving Belize’s flag high and proud.

Second Wildcat Found Dead Near Maya Centre

A local tour guide has reported finding another deceased wildcat—this time an ocelot—just 500 feet from the site where a jaguar was found dead.

The discovery was made early Thursday morning around 6:30 a.m. by Ricky Pereira, a birdwatching guide, who spotted the animal while on tour.

“It’s the same area where I found the jaguar yesterday,” Pereira confirmed. “This time it’s an ocelot.”

The repeated incidents have raised alarm among community members and wildlife advocates. Tour guides from Maya Centre are now calling on authorities and conservation bodies to install wildlife crossing signs in the area, warning that the zone is clearly an active habitat for endangered species.

The cause of death in both cases is still unknown, but locals worry that increased vehicular traffic along nearby roads could be contributing to the fatal encounters.

Belizeans Call for Tougher Animal Cruelty Laws

A growing number of Belizeans are calling on the government to implement stricter animal welfare laws and harsher penalties for abuse, as reports of cruelty toward animals continue to surface across the country.

A petition launched on Change.org by concerned citizen Liz S. has garnered over 2,800 signatures, urging authorities to take immediate action to protect animals—particularly dogs, cats, and horses—from neglect and mistreatment.

“Every day, I see animals in dire conditions, starving, without a home or someone to care for them,” Liz wrote in the petition. “Our beautiful country has a dark side, as reports of animal abuse are continually surfacing on the internet. This reinforces that current laws are not sufficient to deter or penalise abusive acts towards animals.” 

The petition calls for comprehensive reforms, including:

Stricter legislation and harsher penalties for animal cruelty.
Enforcement of laws regulating animal ownership to ensure pets receive proper care.
Implementation of educational programmes on animal care and rights to foster a culture of compassion and responsibility.

Supporters argue that such measures are essential to curb the root causes of animal abuse and promote responsible pet ownership.

The petition also references studies from the United States, noting that regions with comprehensive animal protection laws experience fewer instances of animal cruelty. Advocates believe that similar legislation in Belize could significantly improve the welfare of animals nationwide.

As the petition continues to gain traction, its supporters hope that the Belizean government will respond by enacting and enforcing laws that ensure the safety and well-being of all animals.

To support the petition or learn more, visit Change.org Petition.

Drug Plane Trial Collapses After Magistrate’s Recusal

The long-running trial of seven men accused in one of Belize’s largest drug busts has collapsed and will now have to start over. The decision came on Tuesday, when Magistrate Kara Walters abruptly recused herself from the case, bringing an unexpected halt to proceedings that had been ongoing for three and a half years in the Cayo Magistrate’s Court.

The case stems from a major drug plane landing in late November 2021 in the Mountain Pine Ridge area, where police seized over 1,200 pounds of cocaine and detained several individuals, including a Mexican national identified as the copilot. It was a high-profile bust that drew regional attention and marked a significant success for law enforcement at the time.

The accused—Salus Penner, Eric Young, Miguel Angel Zetina, Edwin Armando Gonzalez, Jaime Umberto Maz, Edilberto Medrano, and Mexican national Jesus Alberto Quintero—have been facing charges related to the incident. Quintero has remained on remand since the time of the arrest.

There are five defence attorneys and two prosecutors assigned to the case, which had been making its way through court since early 2022. However, according to reports, recent courtroom sessions became heated. Hard words were allegedly exchanged between lead prosecutor Alifah Elrington and Magistrate Walters during the last two hearings—tensions which may have ultimately prompted the magistrate’s decision to recuse herself.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed that the move came after a formal submission from the prosecution.

“From the briefing I got from the prosecutor Ms. Elrington, there seems to have been some issue in the courtroom where she believes that the case was not going as it should and that there may have been some degree of bias on the part of the magistrate,” Williams explained. “And based on that, she made a submission to the magistrate for the magistrate to recuse herself. That submission was accepted and the magistrate recused herself, and so we just have to look forward to a new trial.”

But the implications are significant. With the trial now needing to restart under a new magistrate, defence attorneys say the prolonged delay could raise legal concerns.

Restarting the trial will not only prolong the process—potentially by several more years—but it also represents a costly legal undertaking, with multiple attorneys and defendants involved. For the accused, particularly those still in custody, the delays add to an already lengthy wait for justice in one of Belize’s most complex narcotics prosecutions in recent memory.

Citizen Flags Daily Unsafe Bus Stops on Highway

A concerned commuter is calling on the Department of Transport to take immediate action after repeated incidents involving a passenger bus dangerously stopping outside designated bus zones along the George Price Highway.

In a message sent to our newsroom, the individual highlighted a recurring issue involving a bus, which was once again seen stopping on a speed bump near Teakettle Village to pick up students on Wednesday morning. According to the concerned citizen, this is not a one-time occurrence but rather a daily hazard that puts both passengers and other motorists at risk.

“These buses are not stopping at the bus stops to pick up passengers,” the individual wrote. “Something needs to be done and penalize these bus companies as they put both passengers and other drivers at risk.”

The source also mentioned that they had previously reached out to other media outlets without success and urged that the matter be brought to the attention of the newly appointed CEO of the Ministry of Transport.

“This isn’t the first time this same bus is stopping on the bump for students—it’s a daily issue,” the message continued. “Please repost on your page to bring some awareness and let’s call on the new CEO for the transportation department to take action.”