Man Charged for Christmas Day Murder

Police have charged one man with the murder of 23-year-old James Aranda, which occurred on Christmas Day in Dangriga. The accused is 24-year-old Jaheime Daniel Bradley, a Belizean fisherman from Ramos Road in Dangriga Town.

Aranda was walking along Sabal Street in the Lakeland Area when two men on a motorcycle ambushed him and fired two shots at close range just after 9:00 p.m. He collapsed on the street and was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital, where he passed away half an hour later.

A Sabal Street resident, who spoke with News Five, recounted the terrifying moments of hearing gunshots and seeing people fleeing through their yard. The resident described Aranda as a kind individual who had spent the day with them, helping with chores and preparing to celebrate the holiday with his children.

The incident has left the neighbourhood shaken, with one resident recalling losing a relative to gun violence at the same location years ago.  Aranda leaves behind two young children.