Police continue to investigate the murder of 27-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, who was gunned down on Friday during what authorities suspect was a targeted robbery on Hunter’s Lane in Belize City.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, Pinelo travelled to the area with another man to conduct what was initially believed to be a motorcycle purchase.
“Information that he went to Hunter’s Lane, along with another male person, to do a business transaction. Thereafter, when he arrived there, there were six other persons there, and they attacked him, robbed him, and one of the persons shot him, causing his fatal injuries,” Romero told reporters.
Investigators now suspect that the transaction was a set-up. “We believe he was led there,” Romero added.
He had reportedly brought an undisclosed amount of cash and a licensed 9mm pistol, both of which were stolen.
Romero confirmed that two individuals are currently in custody in connection with the murder. Police have also located and are interviewing the person who accompanied Pinelo from San Pedro. That individual was unharmed during the incident and is not yet classified as a suspect.
