Crime - Channel 5 Belize

Murder Rate is Down Compared to 2024

This morning, the Belize Police Department shared the crime stats for the first quarter of 2025. Using data from the CompStat report, they compared this year’s criminal activity to the same period last year. The good news? Major crime is down by seven percent, and homicides have dropped by four percent. Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa and Commissioner of Police Chester Williams gave more details on these encouraging findings.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“My message this morning while it is that we can see a decrease in major crimes for the first quarter as compared to the first quarter of 2024, is that we cannot get disillusioned by the good numbers. We cannot get complacent by the good numbers, but rather we have to step up our efforts because last year, I can recall, the first quarter being a very difficult and challenging year for the police as was this year. And in similar fashion as we did last year, we will have to increase our efforts and certainly try to make better in the second quarter.”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“This morning looking at the first quarter of 2025, I must say it looks good. It’s not what I would want it to be. Certainly. You would know that I am very big in terms of preserving life. Those type of crimes that affects life like murders and attempted murders and so forth, are the ones that I would normally do my best to guard against. And again, for the simple fact that they do affect the livelihoods of others. Nonetheless, the murders are down compared to last year. We are four below last year’s figure and overall major crime is done by seven percent compared to the same period last year. So I am happy that I am handing over to the incoming commissioner with a crime rate below last year’s figure. And that, for me is good. So moving forward I just hope that the police department is going to be able to continue to function the way we have functioned over the past six plus years. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and the public depends heavily on the effectiveness of the police. And so making sure that the police remain effective is important.”

Ministry of Home Affairs Still Deliberating on Issuing SOE

While the good news is that major crimes and homicides are on the decline, there’s been a worrying spike in gang activity recently. Last year, several states of emergency were declared to curb gang-related crimes. We asked Minister of Home Affairs Kareem Musa if he plans to issue another SOE soon. Here’s what he had to say.

Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs

“That was on the table, and I can say here, know that it still is on the table. We were monitoring it closer to the election where it was extremely heightened. And I think we came fairly close, commissioner to declaring a state of emergency. But it was never done. It was quelled for a bit, but again, now we see other areas are sparking. I know at the time of the election we were specifically looking at six different gangs in Belize City that were going to be a part of the SOE. We’re still monitoring those six gangs. And then there are a couple others now as well. And so that is still on the table. I’m not saying that we’re going to declare one this week or next. But it certainly is on the table. We are in discussions not just with the commissioner and the police department, but also with the Leadership Intervention Unit to get their feedback because it is that we would want to have a targeted SOE as opposed to a blanket net cast over everybody.”

Stanley Flowers is Arraigned for Attempted Murder of Policeman

A police corporal was shot and injured outside Fire Nightclub, while three other officers were held at gunpoint and two police vehicles, worth over twenty thousand dollars, were damaged. Following the incident, police charged Stanley Flowers, a thirty-six-year-old from Crooked Tree, with eight criminal counts. This morning at 9:30, Flowers appeared in Court #3 before a Senior Magistrate. He was initially charged with keeping a firearm without a license. The proceedings were briefly paused so Flowers could consult with his attorney, Ian Gray. After being informed of his rights, Flowers pleaded not guilty to the charge of possessing an unlicensed firearm. He was denied bail under Section Sixteen of the Crimes Control and Criminal Justice Act and was remanded to Belize Central Prison until June second, 2025. Shortly after this arraignment, Flowers was hit with additional charges. By 10:30, he was back in Court #3 facing seven more charges. These included attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm against Corporal Manuel Chub. He also faced three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm against police constables Valentine Young, Sebastian Sho, and Joel Chi. Additionally, Flowers was charged with damaging two police vehicles: a white 2023 Isuzu D-Max pickup valued at twenty thousand dollars and a white JAC-T6 pickup truck, both belonging to the Government of Belize. The incident took place outside Fire Nightclub on the Philip Goldson Highway. Flowers, armed with a firearm and a knife, allegedly opened fire on Corporal Manuel Chub. According to Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, officers were responding to reports of an armed individual when they approached Flowers. He reportedly took out a firearm and fired multiple shots at the vehicle. Chub was hit four times but was later treated and released from the hospital. Flowers fled on a motorcycle, leading police on a high-speed chase during which he fired at officers and damaged their vehicle. He was eventually apprehended when officers knocked him off his bike.

Mother of Joseph Garcia Wants Answers

It’s been over three weeks since Joseph Garcia tragically died after crashing into the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital while desperately seeking medical help for gunshot wounds. Garcia, along with passengers Ronlee Petillo and Shamar Faber, was driving along the Phillip Goldson Highway when they were suddenly attacked. While Petillo and Faber were lucky to survive, Garcia sadly didn’t make it. His mother is still searching for closure. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

On March eleventh, three individuals made headlines after their vehicle crashed into the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Behind the wheel was twenty-two-year-old Joseph Garcia, who tragically lost his life in the crash. Today, Garcia’s mother, Rosalia McLaughlyn, is still seeking answers.

Rosalie McLaughlyn, Mother of Deceased

“I just need justice fi mi son because it’s been three weeks now, right? And then I really not di get no answers. I really noh hear nothing about the case. And then as a grieving mother, it hurt and thing, and then fi she that how my son dead inna the type of way, it very hurt because my son was innocent as to what was said on the news when it happened.”

McLaughlyn says that the case hasn’t seen much progress, and she’s desperate for answers. She explains that her son was just an innocent victim, caught in the deadly attack after he kindly offered Faber and Petillo a ride into Belize City. This was confirmed by Commissioner of Police Chester Williams in his initial briefing of the incident.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police (File: March 11^th, 2025)

“The young man who died is certainly innocent. He is from Dangriga. Apparently, he just came up and took Petillo to the Maxboro area and because he was with Petillo he became a victim of those circumstances.”

Both Petillo and Faber have been discharged from the hospital. Petillo, also known as Nino Brown, is now paralyzed due to his injury. KHMH CEO Chandra Cansino described the sheer force of Garcia’s crash into the building.

Chandra Cansino, C.E.O., KHMHA (File: March 11^th, 2025)

“They came straight to the hospital. Unfortunately, I think because of the seriousness of the injuries, the driver was unable to make it to the emergency unit. They drove straight into the building. Where you saw the truck is actually the cafeteria and so, thankfully, there are no patients there, but we do have our staff there. So we were concerned both for them and the integrity of the building.”

McLaughlyn states that while nothing can bring her son back, justice would bring her some closure.

Rosalie McLaughlyn

“I really haven’t gotten any closure as yet and if something would’ve come up, somebody detained or wa suspect, at least I would’ve feel wa relief and at least they’re coming a step closer, to find who is responsible or something like that. So that just how I feel, and I mean that my oldest child and fi see the way he he get killed. It really hurt me. It really hurt me.”

Garcia is fondly remembered by his family and friends as a joyful and humble soul, always smiling and eager to learn from others. McLaughlyn feels her son’s life was tragically cut short and hopes that by reaching out to the public and the police department, some progress will be made in the case.

Rosalie McLaughlyn

“The day when I get this news, because he went up the Thursday and he was supposed to come back home on the Sunday and the Sunday morning when I get this news, it very heartbreaking for me. You understand? Very heartbreaking. And so I just mi di appeal to the police, something they’re must missing. Or even the public, somebody that knows something that can help with the case. Something weh ney di miss maybe somebody could come forward and say something,”

Britney Gordon for News Five.

Teenage Student Escapes Another Shooting Near McKay Boulevard

Just two nights after the tragic shooting of Elvis Aldana on Electric Avenue, another attack rocked the same neighborhood on Monday night. This time, it happened on Cannondale Drive, just two streets away from where Aldana was killed. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this latest incident. According to police reports, around 8:30 PM, a seventeen-year-old student was walking home from McKay Boulevard when he was ambushed. Two youths dressed in black, riding separate bikes, approached him. One of them pulled out a gun and fired several shots. The teenager managed to escape by sprinting into his yard, and the attackers rode off towards McKay Boulevard. Police recovered several shell casings, and a nearby house was left with bullet holes in its walls. Residents told News Five that the pair on bicycles had been seen circling the area before the shooting. They expressed deep concern about the recent surge in gun violence in their neighborhood.

Belize City Undertaker Guilty of Sex Offense Involving Female Minor

The case management conference for Elmer Nah is ongoing before Justice Nigel Pilgrim. While the trial is set for June ninth to June thirtieth, 2025, a voir dire is scheduled to start on May twenty-fifth. Nah appeared virtually, along with his attorney Peter Taylor and Dr. Lynden Jones, while the crown was represented by Terrence Williams. During the proceedings, Nah requested the court’s help to see his attorney in person, stating he needs to speak with Peter Taylor, even if virtually, before his next court date. The judge ordered that Nah be brought to Belize City on April fourteenth, to meet with his attorney. Peter Taylor mentioned having difficulties contacting Nah due to issues with the prison authorities. At the end of today’s hearing, Justice Nigel Pilgrim reiterated the order for Nah to be brought to court on April fourteenth, to meet with his attorneys. He also ordered that additional CMC forms be filed by both sides by April eleventh, and set the voir dire for May twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth, with the trial commencing from June ninth to thirtieth. Additionally, the judge ordered an inspection of the headlight by April eleventh. On February twenty-seventh, Nah fired Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith in open court and replaced him with Peter Taylor and Dr. Lynden Jones. Nah is currently on remand for the murder of three Belmopan residents: brothers Jon and David Ramnarace, who were killed on December thirty-first, 2022, and Vivian Ramnarace, who succumbed to her injuries on January fifteenth, 2023. He is also charged with the attempted murder of Yemi Alberto. All four offenses will be tried by a judge without a jury. Nah faces a second indictment for two counts: use of deadly means of harm and wounding upon Yemi Alberto, which will be heard before a judge with a jury of nine people.

Belize City Undertaker Guilty of Sex Offense Involving Female Minor

Patrick Robinson, a forty-four-year-old undertaker and owner of Leiva’s Funeral Parlor, has been found guilty of three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Robinson was accused of having sex with an eleven-year-old girl and continued until she was fourteen. Late Monday evening, Justice Derick Sylvester convicted Robinson on three of five counts. Robinson was represented by Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington and attorney Norman Rodriguez, while the Crown was represented by Shanell Fernandez from the DPP’s office. Still in shock after the guilty verdict, Robinson lay down in the back of the police pickup, despite being told to sit up while being escorted to Belize Central Prison. He will remain there until April twenty-fifth, 2025, when his mitigation plea will be heard before sentencing.

Shantell Williams is Guilty of Manslaughter

Thirty-year-old Shantell Williams is in jail after being found guilty of manslaughter in the stabbing death of her common-law husband, Louis Adolphus, thirty-nine. The incident happened at their home on Curassow Street in Belize City. Adolphus was stabbed once in the neck, causing him to bleed out. Despite getting help, he died from his injuries. The doctor confirmed he died from blood loss due to the stab wound. The fatal argument started over an umbrella Williams found at home, which led to a confrontation and then the stabbing. Williams initially told police she acted in self-defense after Adolphus hit her with the umbrella and grabbed a knife. She claimed she stabbed him to protect herself. Late last night, Justice Derick Sylvester found Williams guilty of manslaughter, stating that her use of force was unjustified. The court was convinced by the evidence presented by the Crown. During the trial, Williams testified that she acted in self-defense. The argument began in the early hours of August second, 2022, when Williams confronted Adolphus about an umbrella sent by a woman, she believed was his side chick. This led to a heated exchange about Adolphus’s past relationship with the woman. The last person to hear from Adolphus before his death was his brother, Emmerson Dominguez. Dominguez testified that Adolphus called him, sounding frightened, and said Williams had attacked him with a knife. Dominguez advised his brother to call the police. When the police first spoke with Williams, she had visible swelling and abrasions on her lips and fingers.

Man Shot on Iguana Street; Police Detain Suspects

In crime news, the violence from the weekend continued into this morning. While the Commissioner of Police was briefing reporters on recent incidents, a man was shot on Iguana Street Extension in Belize City. This shooting highlights the ongoing feud and the police efforts in the city’s hot zones. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero informed reporters at the scene that investigators have already detained several suspects in connection with the shooting, which has left Coby Ledlan hospitalized.

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

“A short while ago, police responded to a shooting here at Iguana Street Extension. Upon arrival they saw Cody Ledlan, with a gunshot injury. He was taken to the K.H.M.H. for treatment. Initial investigation is that he was in this area when two persons came, one fired shots towards him. He was taken to the K.H.M.H. in critical condition at this time. Initial information is that there is an internal feud with persons in this area.”

Reporter

Have you guys detained anyone as yet?

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero

“Yes, we have three persons in custody who were apprehended a short distance away from this area.”

Reporter

“Can you confirm if they knew each other; how many of them were gathering in the yard?”

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero

“Yes. We have information that they all know each other.”

Reporter

“Can you say in terms of the injuries sustained by victim, is it fatal?”

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero

“He’s still at the K.H.M.H. receiving treatment.”

Reporter

“And can you confirm or deny whether or not he was shot in the head?

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero

“He received gunshots to the body.”

Reporter

“Are any of the detainees minors?”

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero

“I do not know at this time. I need to check on their ages.”

Reporter

“A family member was saying just now that they were on their way to school, if I’m not mistaken, or one of them belonged at school. Can you confirm or deny that?

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero

“I will need to check that. I don’t have that information.”

Elvis Aldana Gunned Down Close to Home

Police are working to find out why thirty-four-year-old Elvis Aldana was murdered. Aldana was shot and killed on Saturday night at the corner of Electric Avenue and McKay Boulevard in Belize City. Sometime after eight p.m., he was in a yard near a mechanic shop when another man approached and shot him multiple times. Aldana was hit in the upper body and rushed to K.H.M.H., but he was pronounced dead on arrival. The shooting happened right under a police surveillance camera. The gunman reportedly fled down Electric Avenue towards the Complex Building. Back in November 2017, Aldana, who lived on Rivero Street at the time, was caught trying to smuggle 2.5 grams of marijuana in a burger to someone in the Magistrate Court cell block. He pleaded guilty and was fined $800. Today, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero updated reporters on the investigation into Aldana’s murder.

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

“On Saturday police visited Electric Avenue where a report came in that there was a shooting incident. Upon their arrival, police saw the lifeless body of Elvis Aldana with multiple gunshot wounds. The information received was that Aldana was in the yard, along with several persons when gunshots were heard and he received the fatal injuries. The police arrived and found Aldana in the area. An investigation is being carried out into this murder.”

Reporter

“Was Mr. Aldana known to the police?”

A.C.P. Hilberto Romero

“Yes. He was known to the police.”