Belize District - Channel 5 Belize

Shooting Victim Speaks Out After Witnessing Roy Burgess Murder

It is not often that we hear a shooting victim, who also witnessed the murder of her friend, speak out about their encounter, especially when that victim was also supposed to be dead. But tonight, Maia James, a Belizean American, is sharing her story, two months after her friend, thirty-two-year-old Roy Burgess, was shot dead inside his vehicle on the Placencia Road. She was also inside the vehicle and was shot in the face. But she survived and remembers the entire ordeal vividly. James sat down with Breakbeat Media in the U.S. for an extensive interview. She recounted the night the incident occurred, the gunshots at close range and how she hid in some bushes with a gunshot injury to the head, while waiting for help to arrive. James saw her shooter and her friend’s murderer. He was also in the vehicle with them. She alleges that the suspect is Ellis Meighan, an individual wanted for questioning by police. Meighan fled to the U.S. where James says she tracked him down and informed U.S. authorities that he is a wanted in connection with a murder in Belize. It is an unbelievable tale of survival and bravery. News Five’s Paul Lopez report.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Thirty-two-year-old Roy Burgess was murdered on April fourteenth inside his vehicle on the Placencia Road. His friend, Maia James, was shot in the face during the incident. Investigators have since been seeking Belize City resident Ellis Meighan for questioning in connection with the murder. But Meighan fled to the U.S. where he is currently claiming asylum. That is the information the Commissioner of Police provided to the press five days ago.

May 31st, 2024

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I think the issue with Ellis Meighan currently is that he is claiming asylum so I think the U.S. will go through that asylum process to see if he would meet the asylum to be granted asylum and if he does not meet the requirement then he will be sent back home. Bear in mind that we have already issued an arrest warrant for him, likewise, his wanted poster is out there. So the U.S. authorities should know that he is wanted in Belize and Interpol Belize is in communication with Interpol in the U.S. to make sure that there is proper coordination.”

Maia James, the young lady that was shot at the time when Burgess was killed, has since recovered from her injuries. She sat down with Breakbeat Media, a Youtube channel in the U.S. and provided a detailed one-hour interview recollecting the horrifying incident. James shared that she and Burgess were on a night out in Placencia when Meighan allegedly met Burgess and they all got into Burgess’ vehicle together. According to James, they drove out of Placencia for about twenty minutes, and though she was not familiar with the suspect, Burgess told her that they were taking him to an area where a vehicle would pick him up. They later stopped near mile twenty-two on the road.

Maia James, Placencia Shooting Victim

“I saw a car coming down the street and he was like this dah the bway deh right yah and he opened the car door and stepped out and when he did that I turned around and looked at this face and that is the only reason I am able to know what he looks like right now because I turned around and looked at his face. And by the time I turned around and looked at him all I heard was pop, pop, pop and I felt like fire on my air, like fire, it burnt so bad. When it happened I was like this cannot be gunshots right now. But I immediately fell between my legs, and I played dead for like a couple of minutes.”

Deciding to pretend dead could have been what saved James’ life. She says that after a couple minutes she grabbed her phone and placed it under the seat while trying to call her mom. She then got out of the vehicle and dragged herself into some nearby bushes.

Maia James

“The second call she answered I said “ma, Cat dead, Juice, Juice, Juice shoot me”. She thought I was playing. She said what? I said I just got shot. She said no, where are you, where are you. I was explaining to her the name of the resort, and she was not understanding me because my mouth is like swollen bad, everything is swollen. She sent her friend to the police station which was directly across the street from her house and that was the only reason why the police came, because nobody called. People heard gunshots, but nobody called the police, so. She called back and I answered and said ma, I cant hold back any more and I am going, I am going. She was like no, she started screaming. She was like listen to your baby cause my baby was crying tin the background. She was like listening to your baby, your kids need you.”

James says she knew that Burgess had succumbed to the injuries he sustained moments after he was shot. She recalls seeing someone with a flashlight, while she was lying in the bushes. She believed that the shooter had returned to the scene. Eventually the police arrived.

Maia James

“I remember being with my mom on the phone. I had her on speaker and I was like shut up, they are coming back to look for me. Like shortly after that the cop showed up. To that day I don’t know who the person was, but I thought they came back. I thought he saw me running in the bush or something, so I am immediately thinking it was him. So the cops came, I saw the lights. I seen the cop lights, and I heard them get out of their cars but nobody is looking for me. I said police, I am here in the bushes. It was some tall bushes so I am kicking to make movement so they could find me. They were like you all hear that; someone is in the bushes. They found me and looked at me and said who did this to you? I said, Juice, Juice did this to me. As soon as I said Juice, it is like everybody knows who that is. He went straight to the cop car pulled up his picture, showed it to me, and I was like, yes him.”

James was rushed to the hospital. She later underwent reconstructive surgery. Two months and three surgeries later, James is sharing her experience. She alleges that a police officer helped Meighan to get out of Palcencia that same night.

Maia James

“That same night a cop helped him out of the village. He was on the run until a couple days ago, thanks to me. If I didn’t live, they were friends, you know that right, if I didn’t live he would have shown up to his funeral and everything.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Kenrick Longsworth Found Guilty of Manslaughter and Wounding

Kenrick Longsworth, the Belize City resident accused of murdering his three-year-old stepson, has been found guilty of manslaughter. As we have reported, on January tenth, 2020, Mark Teul’s mother found him dead inside their Lovely Lane home. He was allegedly beaten to death and sexually assaulted by Longsworth. Mark’s siblings were also found badly beaten but still alive inside the house. Longsworth was also slapped with two counts of attempted murder in connection with their injuries. Today, the High Court found him guilty of wounding, not attempted murder, but only in the case of one of the surviving siblings. He was found not guilty in relation to the charge that stemmed from the other’s injury. So, Longsworth was found guilty of manslaughter and guilty of wounding. In court, Justice Derick Sylvester concluded that while Longsworth admitted to hitting Mark, he claimed that he never caused the injuries that led to his death. But after careful consideration of the crown’s evidence, including that of the children’s mother, a neighbor who testified to Longsworth admitting to her that he beat the children that day, and two doctors’ testimony, Justice Sylvester ruled that Longsworth caused the injuries. Furthermore, Justice Sylvester noted in his ruling that while Longsworth did not intend to kill Mark Teul he lied, and because no evidence could prove his intent was to murder, he was found guilty of manslaughter. Justice Sylvester further concluded that the evidence provided was not convincing enough to link Longsworth to injuries that the other stepson sustained. During the trial, one doctor testified saying that the injuries observed on him were old injuries and not recent. Longsworth, who gave sworn testimony from the witness box, said he ended the relationship with the children’s mother and that is when she got mad and took out her anger on the kids and beat them up. He blamed the child’s mother for the injuries her two children sustained and the death of her son, though one witness had testified to seeing him beating the deceased child with a stick the day he died. Notably, Justice Sylvester did point out that based on the findings of two doctors, the children were being abused prior to January tenth, 2020 and that it was sad to see that they were kept in such an environment.

A Dry Run of Newly Proposed Carnival Route

The Belize Carnival Association is considering conducting a test-run of its upcoming carnival performances, implementing the newly proposed route suggested by National Celebration Commission. It begins the parade at Memorial Park and concludes at the Marion Jones Stadium. At the proposal of this new route, the association has expressed skepticism but the National Celebrations Commission, the Belize Tourism Board, and Belize Police Department claim that it is an ideal route for the safety of the public. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture gave us some more insight into the situation.

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Culture

“We’re working very closely with the Carnival Association. They are represented on the National Celebrations Commission. My own personal view is that the new proposed route is fantastic. I think it’s ideal and it’s not something that, we just came up with out of thin air the B.T.B. got a consultant to do an evaluation, a review of the carnival last year. And they made some very good recommendations. And then we reviewed that at our National Celebrations Commission. We discussed the matter with, of course, the Belize Police Department. They are also represented on the commission. We discussed it with all the stakeholders represented on the commission. And the general consensus was that we should propose this new route to the Carnival Association. But, of course we have to respect the role of the association. So we tabled that proposal with them. They have taken it back to their members. They wanted to carry out, as you rightly pointed out, a dry run. they did so, we arranged for that with the police and the Belize City Council. I think generally their feedback has been very positive. But, we will wait for them to make a final decision on that matter before we announce formally this new route.”

Op-ed -Protecting Our Oceans: Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing

by Javier Villanueva, Senior fishery and aquaculture officer for Latin America and the Caribbean. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

On June 5th, two highly relevant days are commemorated, strongly connected to the sustainability of fishing: World Environment Day and the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.

IUU fishing represents a significant threat to the sustainability of the oceans, marine biodiversity, coastal communities, and the livelihoods that depend on fishing. This activity, conducted outside the standards and responsibilities established by international instruments, undermines efforts to conserve and sustainably manage fishery resources. In Latin America and the Caribbean, around 21.6 million people depend on the fishing sector, highlighting the importance of effectively addressing this issue.

The concept of IUU fishing, adopted through international instruments and national legal frameworks, encompasses broad and complex components that often overlap. This multifaceted nature poses significant challenges in its implementation. Understanding and operationally defining each aspect is a crucial first step in adopting effective measures that improve fishery management, considering the particularities of legal, management, institutional, operational, and governance systems.

For some years now, the FAO has developed methods to estimate the scale of IUU fishing, responding to the needs of fishing countries seeking to understand the extent of this activity. There are two main approaches: the first is based on magnitude estimates to mobilize public opinion, political will, technological development, and the financial resources necessary to improve monitoring, control, and surveillance systems; the second approach, focused on indicators, helps fisheries authorities use their data to assess the effectiveness of these systems, identify threats, and ensure that resources are appropriately allocated.

In the region, several countries have taken significant measures to combat IUU fishing. Currently, 15 countries have ratified the Port State Measures Agreement, an initiative promoted by the FAO and unique that establishes a common framework to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing, facilitating information exchange and international cooperation. Its implementation contributes to more responsible and sustainable fisheries management and currently has more than one hundred countries committed globally.

The fight against IUU fishing reinforces the FAO’s work agenda and is a component of the Blue Transformation program promoted by the Organization. This program highlights the need to sustainably expand aquatic food systems, promote healthy and nutritious diets, foster equitable growth, and protect the environment.

In preparation for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, to be held in France in 2025, Costa Rica will host the event Submerged in Change on June 7-8 this year. A new edition of the FAO’s State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report will be launched during this event, emphasizing the strategic importance of measures to advance fishery sustainability.

The future of the planet and future generations depends on the actions and commitments we make today together: governments, the private sector, communities, and international organizations must work in coordination to ensure the sustainability of marine resources.

Only through coordinated and sustainable efforts can we ensure that the oceans remain a vital source of food, employment, well-being, and livelihood for millions of people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Better Production is key to a Better Environment, Better Nutrition, and a Better Life, leaving no one behind.

Aggravated Burglary Turns Deadly in Fresh Pond

Last night, just before the close of business, a pair of men walked into a small shop in Fresh Pond Community. They weren’t there to make a purchase. Instead, they carried out a deadly home invasion during which they relieved a family of two thousand, three hundred dollars and various personal items. Before leaving, they shot and killed an aspiring businessman who wanted nothing more than to become successful and take care of his family. Tonight, they are grief stricken and police are no closer to making an arrest amid an ongoing investigation. News Five’s Isani Cayetano reports.

Voice of: Sister-in-law of Deceased

“Usually my mother-in-law closes [the shop] at nine o’clock. So they were just going about their regular day, just outside in the hammock talking, my sister-in-law, my mother-in-law, and they noticed that two guys were walking towards the shop, so they assumed that they were going to come buy. When they noticed, they men came from the front door, went in through the shop and basically just came out by the verandah, somewhat like they know the layout of the house.”

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

A thirty-three-year-old businessman is dead and the armed men who stormed his family home in Fresh Pond on Monday night are still on the loose. At gunpoint, Cruz Magana’s mother and sister told their attackers that they were alone inside the house. He was in this hammock sometime around nine p.m., when a commotion inside the living room caught his attention.

Sister-in-law of Deceased

“Dat da when my brother-in-law mi like, mi di hear da commotion and get up from the hammock and dat da when ih look like di man dehn get jumpy and dehn seh, “A man deh ya. So dat da when dehn come eena di house through di veranda door and dehn tell ahn, “Give mi di money. And dehn mi done check like di shop, dehn mi gaan check it and ih mi got like lone lee chump change, my mother-in-law done mi put up di money.”

The surveillance camera inside the small grocery store tracked the pair’s movement as they rifled the register. The men were intent on carrying out an aggravated burglary and wouldn’t leave until they got what they wanted. Regrettably, the device would not capture any of the footage on record. In the wake of the deadly incident is grief and a hardworking family that has been torn apart.

Sister-in-law

“My brother-in-law and my mother-in-law tell ahn, “You know di money deh eena di room. Just tek di money and go. But like before that, deh mi done tek things, right, like my sister-in-law’s bracelet and thing. Dehn just literally gaan eena di room, tek di money, walk out and still shot ahn. Three to four times dehn shot ahn.”

When Cruz quit his job at a call center, it was to pursue his dream of becoming an entrepreneur and provide for his family. He was humble, diligent and was making progress at realizing that dream.

Sister-in-law

“He da mi wahn really good person, and really humble and thing and he worked really hard fi got ih lee business weh ih mi di build up. I remember he mi get tired a call center one spell and then he mi tell we, ih seh, “ ah wah build wah business and unu wah watch me get big and I wah tek care ah all ah my family.”

Before then, his mother had been running the business for well over a decade and nothing like the harrowing ordeal that she experienced overnight had ever happened here.

Sister-in-law

“Three to four times dehn shot ahn and dat da cause like he mi di beg fi ih life like, you know, just tek di money, go. Da just dat, right, but dehn still just shot ahn and tek di money and gaan. Dehn tek di phone dehn, dehn tek wahn laptop and then dehn gone out back and dehn mu wahn shot my sister-in-law too, right. I think one ah dehn done mi got ahn eena ih hand, she mi seh, but then she run, right,… she run cross ah di neighbor. My mother-in-law di go through it because da like, that da her first son and he da always di one weh deh ya with ahn, always di help ah how ih can.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

OJ Challenges Authenticity of Virtual Complainant Statements

Today, attorney Orson Elrington made his third appearance in court for a matter involving an alleged rape that was reported in January. During the session, the D.P.P. provided partial disclosure and stated verbally all the evidence they intend to rely on at the preliminary inquiry. The defense, however, is seeking to challenge the authenticity of the electronic reports given by the alleged victim. Attorney Norman Rodriguez indicated to the court today that he wants to visit the precinct where the statements were purportedly recorded, including San Ignacio, San Pedro, and Belize City. In court, Elrington indicated that the need to verify these statements stems from a suspicion that the defense will be provided with accurate statements.

Norman Rodriguez, Attorney at Law

“We came today for disclosure to be served on the defens and it was served the law requires that the prosecution prompt serves on the defense what it intends to rely on at the preliminary inquiry that was done. However, instructed by my client, we requested certain evidence that we believe can assist us in deciding whether we’re going to make any application or submission against the committal to the high court or whether we’re not going to make it. We believe based on discussion with our clients and the other attorneys that there is evidence that is able to help us. However, the D.P.P.’s submission was that she complied with the law and rightly we still need that and the court has, with the consent of the D.P.P., allowed us an opportunity to go to the police stations and view certain electronic evidence. We come back on the 18th, at which time the D.P.P. will serve additional evidence and the preliminary inquiry can be held any time thereafter on the second or after the second of July, which is two weeks, minimum of two weeks after the disclosure is made.”

Man Chopped Neighbor Allegedly Over Stolen Badman

This morning, a man was brought before the court for allegedly causing harm to his neighbor using machete after the two got into a dispute. He is forty-year-old Jareth Jason Tablada, a driver and a resident of Hattieville. The incident is said to have occurred on Thursday, May twenty- third. According to reports, the machete attack is said to have stemmed from the theft of a bottle of the popular alcoholic drink Badman. Allegations are that Tablada intentionally stole the drink from neighbor Gilroy Keith Wade and inflicted grievous harm on him with a machete. Tablada, however, claims that he was acting out of self-defense. At his arraignment, Tablada, who was unrepresented, initially pleaded guilty to the charge, but explained to the Magistrate that he was acting in self-defense. Thus, his guilty plea was rejected and was told that the matter would have to go to trial so both sides could be heard. Bail in the sum of three thousand dollars, and an additional surety of the same amount, was offered to Tablada which he met.

Murder in Fresh Pond

Businessman, thirty-three-year-old Cruz Magaña, was fatally shot last night in Fresh Pond in Burrell Boom Village. It happened at around eight o’clock during a home invasion at Magaña’s residence.

Police say that two masked men barged into the residence and held family members at gunpoint. The intruders demanded money. One of the family members managed to escape and seek help from neighbours.

Gunshots were later heard. Magaña was found bleeding. He was rushed to the K.H.M.H., where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Man Accused of Child Cruelty Returns to Court

Thirty-three-year-old Devain Flores pleaded guilty to two counts of child cruelty when he appeared before the lower courts two weeks ago, after a brief video showing him physically abusing a three-year-old child went viral. Flores was back at the magistrate’s court today, where a mitigation plea was to be heard on his behalf. He waved his right to call on character witnesses when all four persons, including his mother, his common-law wife, a brother and a fourth individual did not make it to court. Despite being given additional time for Flores to get his witnesses to court, he proceeded to ask the Senior Magistrate to continue with sentencing. Flores told the court that he is taking full responsibility for his actions. Nonetheless, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, who is prosecuting the matter is seeking a custodial sentence of not less than twelve months in prison. ComPol Williams is of the view that a fine is not appropriate and that Flores should serve time behind bars. Flores has been remanded back to prison.

Sugar Inquiry Not Sure About Recording Sessions

The commission will play a similar role to other commissions of inquiry that have been held. O’Brien explained that this body also has a great deal of authority and will conduct its business the same way other commissions have. What these commissioners are not certain about, however, is whether they will record the sessions. O’Brien explained the reason for this.

Hugh O’Brien, Lead Coordinator, Sugar Industry Commission of Inquiry

The commissioners will be calling people just as happen in other commissions of inquiry, will be calling people to come forward, will specifically tell them what information they need for them to bring along and can make requests for additional information. I am saying that, so we expect as much collaboration as possible from all the parties involved. But I will say that indeed there has been a press release by BSI in particular to say that there is certain information that they consider proprietary and that they do not intend to discuss or share. I’m hoping that, based on the recent work I did with BSI, which I did have access to a great deal of proprietary information that helped to clear up and sort out some of the issues that had plagued the industry, that caused the protests back in January – I’m hoping that BSI would be a bit more open and realize that at the end of the day, the idea is to reflect on the numbers. It gives them – a sense of confidence will come their way if they share the information, because then if they don’t share people think that there was something that they got to hide, and that only creates more skepticism and does create more chaos in the industry. In terms of the recording of the sessions that matter would be we’re not extremely clear yet. If you will record or all the sessions are just record some or there are some concerns amongst some commissioners that they went when we ask people certain questions if we are recording that we may not get the full insights that they may want to offer because it’s being recorded. So we will deliberate on that specific topic a bit more in our next meeting.