A deadly setup in Belize City has left a family mourning and police searching for answers. Twenty-seven-year-old Zinedine Pinelo, a resident of San Pedro, was gunned down on Friday in what authorities believe was a targeted robbery. The incident happened on Hunter’s Lane, where Pinelo had reportedly traveled to purchase a motorcycle. But instead of a transaction, he was met by a group of men—one of whom fatally shot him. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero revealed today that investigators suspect Pinelo may have been lured to the location so his attackers could steal his licensed firearm. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“On Friday, the ninth day of May 2025. Police responded to a shooting incident at Hunter’s Lane. Upon the arrival they found a lifeless body of a male person. He was identified as Zinedine Pinelo. 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 he attacked him robbed him, and one of the persons shot him causing his fatal injuries. We have two persons in custody in regards to this murder.”
Reporter
“What was the nature of the business they were doing?”
Hilberto Romero
“He went to do a purchase from a person. He went there with some cash to do a purchase. And so he was stolen from him, was his firearm and some cash.”
“Are you able to say how much cash?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know at this time.”
Reporter
“I don’t see any store at Hunter’s Lane so was it a licit or an illicit purchase?”
Hilberto Romero
“Information is to purchase a motorcycle. That was the information we got. However, we are doing more follow up see what the actual transaction was.”
Reporter
“Do you all believe that he was led or lured?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes. We believe he was led there. When he arrived, there was six persons waiting there and these are the persons who attacked him.”
Reporter
“You believe to rob his of his money and his gun, or was he like specially targeted because of his weapon?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes. We believe that he was targeted to be robbed. Yes.”
Reporter
“So he had a license firearm.”
Hilberto Romero
“He had a license firearm.”
Reporter
“Are you able to see what type?”
Hilberto Romero
“A nine millimeter pistol.”
Reporter
“And has the firearm been recovered?”
Hilberto Romero
“Nothing has been recovered.”
Reporter
“And the persons who orchestrated this, he left San Pedro with an individual from the city. And that person escaped without injury.”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes we found that person. He’s being interviewed.”
Reporter
“Might he be an accomplice?”
Hilberto Romero
“We do not know at this time. After the interview, there was no more information.”
Reporter
“Anybody detained?”
Hilberto Romero
“Two persons are detained.”