Fifty-year-old Martin Carcamo, a security guard employed at the bus terminal here in Belize City, is in trouble with the law for stealing an iPhone 12 from a woman police officer. The incident happened around 6:30 a.m. on Monday at the Michael Finnegan Market where Corporal Georgina Bartley was having breakfast. She alleges that she placed her cell phone on the table while having the meal and, a few minutes later, she saw a tall, dark-skinned man approach the stall. Shortly thereafter, Bartley realized that her phone was missing. When she inquired about the whereabouts of the device, Carcamo reportedly walked away and headed in the direction of King Street. The twenty-eight-year-old woman, who was in casual attire, pursued Carcamo and informed him that she is a police officer and would call for backup if he did not produce the phone. Upon hearing that Carcamo surrendered the device. At the same time a police mobile approached and he was detained and taken into custody at the police station where he was later charged for theft. When he appeared before the lower court, Carcamo was arraigned on a single count of theft. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of twelve hundred dollars, plus one surety of the same amount.
Category: Crime
Paul Arthurs is Fatally Stabbed; Was Murder or Self-defense?
Three murders were recorded over the weekend following separate shooting incidents in Orange Walk and Cayo districts. In Blackman Eddy Village on Saturday night, a man was stabbed to death by the siblings of his former common-law wife. She tells police that her ex-husband attempted to rape her at her birthday party and her brothers intervened and reportedly stabbed Paul Arthurs with his own knife. Arthurs’ family shares a different account of the couple’s tumultuous relationship. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with that story.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
A resident of Ontario Village was fatally stabbed by his common-law wife’s siblings on Saturday night in Blackman Eddy Village. Paul Arthurs was at a gathering in the neighboring community where Trisha Ireland was celebrating her birthday with friends and family. Something went terribly wrong and he was attacked by several individuals.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“Police visited Blackman Eddy Village where a complainant reported that she went to use a bathroom that is situated outside of her house. She then reported that her ex-boyfriend, Paul Arthurs, dragged her into some bushes and attempted to rape her. Her brother who was at the area at the time intervened in her defense, at which point Paul Arthurs produced a knife. A fight ensued and then Paul Arthurs received injuries. Other villagers came and assisted as well. Paul Arthurs was taken to the hospital with stab wound injuries and there after succumbed to his injuries.”
That’s the official account given by the Belize Police Department, based on their investigation into what transpired on Saturday night. Arthurs’ family provided a different narrative of what they understand took place.
Voice of: Relative of Deceased
“He was up at Blackman all day. He was socializing with some friends, to our understanding. He and the female in question, actually in custody at this time for investigation, they were together. They did have their ups and downs. It was her birthday on that day, as well, to our understanding, she was having a small gathering at her house and she saw him up in Blackman and she came by and invited him to the home. In the night, around 9:30, we received information that he got chopped.”
Arthurs’ niece, who spoke with us under the condition of anonymity, said that they were on their way to the hospital when they learned of his demise. We were also told that the relationship was oftentimes unstable.
“We were on our way to the hospital when we got news that he succumbed to his injuries.”
Isani Cayetano
“What do you believe went wrong that would have resulted in this fatal stabbing?”
Voice of: Relative of Deceased
“To our understanding, the female that he was with, the family has never stepped into their relationship or told him what to do, for lack of a better term, however, he and the female have had their little back and forth because she has times when she doesn’t want him around.”
Hilberto Romero
“An investigation has been carried out and this file will be sent to the D.P.P. for directives.
Voice of: Relative of Deceased
“As a family, we wish they would have contacted the police and asked [to] remove this man from this home because, he, another report says that she was his ex. They were in a back and forth ongoing relationship and he couldn’t have had access to this female if she didn’t invite him to the home and also he could not have gotten access to take her anywhere that her brothers or the people at the home would not have seen. So she had enough people there to protect her where that couldn’t have happened, in our opinion.”
Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Orange Walk Man Murdered Upon Arrival Home
Police have another murder to solve, this time in Orange Walk Town. The incident happened on Sunday morning as Norman Gillett and Leon Tasher were entering a yard in the Palmar Boundary area of town. Reports are that Gillett had just arrived home and was heading into his yard when he and Tasher came under fire by someone in a vehicle. But police say they have a suspect in custody, as well as the vehicle involved. News Five’s Marion Ali filed this report on the incident.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“On Sunday, the 30th day of June 2024, police responded to a shooting incident at Monkey River Street in Orange Walk Town. Upon arrival, they learned that two male persons had been shot. They were identified as Norman Gillett and Leon Tasher and were taken for medical treatment. Thereafter, police visited the hospital where they learned that Norma Gillett had passed away.”
Sixty-year-old Norman Gillett was reportedly entering his yard on Monkey River Street in Orange Walk Town when he and Leon Tasher came under gunfire. ACP Hilberto Romero shared what the police have gathered on the incident so far.
“Investigations revealed that they were at a yard at the address along with other persons when an SUV vehicle pulled up. A person came out of a vehicle, fired several shots towards the direction, causing the fatal injuries to Norman Gillett and the injuries to Leon Tasher.”
Voice of: Neighbour
“He nuh mess with nobody. He just goh da work, come back and then that’s it. Ih da wa good bally, when I tell you good, he start to earn money, treat them picnic good. Whatever he bring for them kids, take it, because da wa good bally. I can’t explain it. I shocked cause he’s a good buddy, he’s a good friend.”
Police have recovered the vehicle involved in the shooting and have detained one person pending investigation. Marion Ali for News Five.
Murder in Santa Elena, Anthony Smith is Gunned Down
In Santa Elena Town, a feud between two groups has led to the shooting death of a man who went to purchase food with his cousins on Sunday night. When Anthony Smith set out along with his cousins from their Avella Street address, his family did not think that he wouldn’t be returning home alive. While at a fast food restaurant, a lone gunman appeared on a motorcycle, opened fire on Smith, and made good his escape from the area. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano, once again, with that report.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Anthony Smith is the latest murder victim in Santa Elena, following a deadly shooting overnight in that municipality. Despite concerns from residents and business owners, crime remains a pressing issue. The deadly attack on Smith has the trappings of a bitter rivalry. He was purchasing fast food, along with several relatives, when a gunman emerged on the scene.
Voice of: Aunt of Deceased
“Dehn gaan da Chinatown gaan buy wahn fry chicken and while dehn mi di wait fi dis fry chicken, dehn seh di bwai just come straight and shoot ahn right da ih chest. Dehn shoot ahn, he drop, [and] when he drop, di bwai come over ahn gih ahn di nother shot. And they were so frightened, di other bwai dehn, that dehn neva know weh fi do. When deh ketch up da when dehn si di blood, right. When dehn conscious, dehn seh di bwai mi done deh pan ih cycle and dehn seh dehn couldn’t do nothing because ih mek two shot afta di other bwai.”
The incident happened on a side street just off the George Price Highway. Mei Mei, as the restaurant is known, has a security camera perched at the corner of the building. It is not clear whether the device captured anything useful relating to the attack.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“On Sunday, June 30th, 2024, police responded to a shooting incident in front of a restaurant in Cayo District. Upon their arrival, they learned that one Anthony Smith, thirty years old, had been shot and was taken for treatment. Police visited the hospital thereafter and we learned that Anthony Smith had succumbed to his injuries. Investigation revealed that Smith was sitting in front of the restaurant when a motorcycle came and a male person came off the motorcycle and fired several shots towards his direction, causing his fatal injuries. We have several persons detained in regards to this murder.”
Smith’s aunt believes that he may have been executed by someone who is known to the family; however, there is no certainty since the gunman’s face was concealed by a helmet he was reportedly wearing.
“Dehn cyant point finger because the person mi got di think pan ih face, right. But dehn seh dehn cyant point finga da who but dehn suggest that more or less ih could be one ah dehn enemy.”
Isani Cayetano
“Now, do you know Anthony for having enemies, or what was he involved with here?”
“Well, we mi know that ih had one enemy but we cyant call name because we noh know. As ah tell yoh, we cyant point finger. Soh you know we cyant seh exactly well da dat person do it because all dehn know is that the person da wahn Spanish person and di person mi got on ih helmet so like dehn couldn’t sih ih face. Soh you know yoh can’t point finger. Yoh cyant call name cause yoh noh know da who, right.”
An investigation into the murder is ongoing. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
A Belize City Woman is Shot After a Domestic Dispute
Twenty-two-year-old Jasmine Fortune was shot on Sunday morning, following a domestic dispute with her common-law husband. Police say that the couple was at Long Island Bar here in Belize City when they got into an altercation. She reported that her common-law, Barry Johnson, hit her. Fortune was taken to the Belama Police Station where she refused to cooperate with investigators. She subsequently left the precinct and was on her way home to Belama Phase One when multiple shots were fired in her direction, injuring her.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“On Sunday June 30th, 2024, police responded to a shooting incident at Belama, in Belize City. Upon their arrival, they learned that a female, Jasmine Fortune, had received gunshot injuries. She was taken to the KHMH for treatment and she is presently listed in a critical condition. Investigation revealed that Jasmine Fortune was at her house inside a bedroom when several gunshots were heard and she had been shot. The scene was visited where several expended shells were found and bullet holes were found on a window that is by the bedroom. We are seeking several suspects in regards to this shooting.”
Reporter
“Wasn‘t there a prior altercation between this lady and someone known to her at an establishment?”
Hilberto Romero
“There was a report of a minor domestic issue in a nightclub. That is the information we have.”
Reporter
“I think she had spoken to the police before going home, is that so?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes, she had visited the station to make a complaint and thereafter she went home.”
Jasmine Fortune is listed in a critical condition.
Minister Musa Warns Against Cyber Bullying
Kareem Musa, the Minister of Home Affairs, is warning Belizeans against cyberbullying after several nude and salacious videos were leaked over the weekend. The videos were widely shared on social media. According to Minister Musa, anyone who shared the video or created memes using the content contained within those videos committed a criminal act and is liable to face legal consequences.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“Let me joined the Commissioner of Police. I know he released a statement warning members of the general public against cyber bullying. We must understand this is now a criminal offense by virtue of the Cyber Crime Act of 2020. I believe it is section fifteen of the Cyber Crime Act which speaks to sharing and publishing videos, photographs of a lude and indecent nature with an aim to humiliate individuals. That particular offense carries a prison term of five years in addition to a fine of five or ten thousand dollars. Whether you are sharing that by way of Facebook or WhatsApp, you become liable to be charged under this Cyber Crime Act, so yes you have to look at the persons or person who originally shared this video but also those individuals who continue to perpetuate the crime by sharing this video. So, the offense continues. I want to ask members of the public to be respectful. These young ladies have family members. This is concerning and disturbing. We have to be mindful of a society the type of a damage you are causing and to be mindful that this now bears criminal liability.”
Police Detain Dangriga Woman for Child Abuse
Police were swift to detain a woman in Dangriga who was captured in a disturbing video encouraging a child to perform sexual acts on her. The video also made its rounds on social media over the weekend. Minister Musa says it is under investigation.
Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs
“I asked the commissioner about that when I was informed about the video and he had indicated that on Saturday or Sunday, right after the video was published, the alleged individual, because no faces are shown in the video, but the individual that is suspected to be in that video was picked up and detained by police down south. That matter is under investigation.”
ComPol’s Brother, Roy Williams, Charged Again
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has once again ordered the detention of his brother and the Crimes Investigation Branch wasted no time arresting and charging Arthur Roy Williams for an alleged social media post that was in circulation over the weekend. This morning, Williams appeared before the lower court for another charge which was brought against him back in February. Upon the conclusion of that matter, he was approached by C.I.B. personnel who informed him of the reason he was being detained. It is alleged that on June twentieth, Williams posted a questionable Facebook message. That message was immediately recorded by the Cyber Crimes Unit. When asked if he believes that he has violated the terms of his bail condition, Williams said the post for which he is being blamed was simply forwarded to him by someone else. In February, Williams was charged with two counts of using a computer system to disseminate false statement with the intent to cause another person to be subject to ridicule or embarrassment, and one count of using a computer system to publish computer data to intimidate a person. The condition of the bail stipulated that he was not to use any form of social media to speak about his brother, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, or any member of the Belize Police Department.
Police Investigating Explicit Video Involving Woman and Girl
Minister of Home Affairs, Kareem Musa, confirmed with reporters today that a woman was “picked up” and detained by police over the weekend.
The video was recorded in 2021 in Gales Point Village, Stann Creek, by an adult female from Dangriga Town.
The child’s mother, who recently became aware of the video, reported the matter to the police.
Minister Musa said, “I asked the Commissioner about that when I was informed of the video and he had indicated I think it was Saturday or Sunday, right after the video was published, the individual in that video, the alleged individual, because no faces were shown in the video but the individual suspected to be in that video was picked up and detained by the police.”
Social Media Users Warned Against Sharing Lewd Content
Police Minister Kareem Musa told reporters this morning that it is an offence, “a criminal offence by virtue of the Cyber Crime Act of 2020,” to share and publish videos and photographs of a lewd and indecent nature. This warning comes after a surge of videos and photographs depicting lewd content began circulating widely on social media over the weekend.
Police Commissioner Chester Williams has also condemned the people sharing the videos. He shared, “It is an offence under the Cyber Act for one to use a computer devise to produce or distribute any video or photographs with the intent to humiliate, harm, or subject a person to public ridicule or embarrassment. Those who are therefore engaging in the posting, reposting, or further distribution of these videos or photographs are committing the crime of cyberbullying and can be prosecuted.”
Authorities urge individuals who have posted or shared such content to remove it immediately and cease further distribution. The law is clear on the matter, and violators could face significant penalties, including imprisonment.
In a statement addressing the situation, attorney Audrey Matura expressed dismay over the derogatory comments and memes following the release of explicit videos involving several women and a particular male. Matura emphasised the emotional distress caused to the individuals involved, particularly the female public figure featured in the videos. Matura encouraged the public to assist law enforcement by screen recording evidence of such posts, ensuring that perpetrators can be held accountable.