Authorities are investigating the early morning shooting death of 31-year-old Kadeem Orosco in Belize City. Orosco was shot and killed near the intersection of Ebony Street and Sarstoon Street.
Police are investigating possible links between the killings as part of an ongoing gang conflict. Security cameras in the area have been identified, and authorities say they are awaiting review of the footage as part of their ongoing investigation.
This killing comes just one day after police detained dozens of individuals in gang-related operations. Despite these efforts, violence in the city continues to escalate.
Family members arrived at the crime scene shortly after the shooting. A relative told News 5, “We will not retaliate, because we do not pick up guns; we pick up Bible instead.”
Orosco’s father also came to the scene, emotionally pleading with officers, “This is my son; I need to see my son.”
The area was cordoned off as forensic teams processed the scene.
Orosco’s murder adds to a string of violent incidents in recent days, including the weekend slayings of Aaron Lindo and Nelson Henry, also known as “Mung.” Police are also probing an earlier attempted shooting of 27-year-old Jimmy Rojas.
On Monday, newly appointed Commissioner of Police Dr Richard Rosado stated that he would fully support a six-month state of emergency following rising tensions between rival groups in the city. He described the increase of gang-related activities as a ‘critical situation,’ adding that a possible SOE is “up for discussion.”