2024-11-04 - Channel 5 Belize

A Taxi Man is Fatally Stabbed During a Fight with a Trio of Men

Tonight, Shawn Ortiz’s family is grappling with his tragic and violent death. The beloved taxi driver was stabbed after a night out at a popular spot in Belize City. As he was about to head home, a verbal spat turned into a brutal attack, with one of three men stabbing him viciously. Ortiz tried to escape, unaware of his injuries, but collapsed a short distance from the scene. He was rushed to the K.H.M.H. but sadly didn’t make it. Now, police are on the hunt for three suspects linked to his murder. We start our newscast with this story from News Five’s Isani Cayetano.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

A well-known cabdriver met a tragic end overnight while socializing in Belize City. Forty-three-year-old Shawn Ortiz was leaving Stephen’s Place on Jaguar Avenue in the vicinity of Faber’s Road Extension when an altercation with three men turned deadly. During the confrontation, a knife was drawn, and Ortiz suffered a fatal stab wound. His girlfriend, who was at home across town, received the heartbreaking news of the incident later. Deandra Staine spoke with News Five off camera earlier today.

Voice of: Deandra Staine, Girlfriend of Deceased

“Well I mi di sleep and then I just received it by a phone call and through text that he just get stabbed and so we mi need fi goh meet ahn da hospital.”

Isani Cayetano

“What did you observe at the point where you got to the hospital?”

Deandra Staine

“By the time we reach da di hospital ih mi already passed away. And I mi end up fi sih and everything but ih mi done gaan.”

Investigators report that Ortiz became involved in a physical altercation with three men, during which he was stabbed once. By the time police arrived at the scene, Ortiz had already been rushed to the KHMH for emergency medical treatment.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Police responded to a stabbing incident on Jaguar Avenue in Belize City. Upon their arrival, police learned that the victim had been taken to the KHMH for treatment. Police visited KHMH where they found Shawn Ortiz with stab wound injuries and he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigation revealed that Shawn Ortiz was in a fight in the area of Jaguar Avenue with other persons, one of whom inflicted the fatal stab injuries to him. We are seeking three suspects in regards to this report.”

News of the taxi driver’s death came as a devastating shock to Ortiz’s sibling. Shanine Campbell could hardly believe that her brother would meet such a violent end.

Voice of: Shanine Campbell, Sister of Deceased

“This is hard, I mean we buried mommy a year and change ago, buried Shawn’s dad and my dad two months later, after mommy, and now here comes Shawn. He was affectionately known as Big Shawn, so, you know, I would constantly say Big Shawn, but to his friends, he da mi Mack Shawn. This is hard. Truth be told, I can’t, at this moment, I am still processing it. I can’t cry, I am just trying to figure out what we’re going to do and how we’re going to get through this one. So I must tell you that it is hard, it is a shock, shock to the neighborhood, shock to Shawn’s friends, you know, a shock to Shawn’s family. This is different, we heard that it’s a stab. To be honest, we would have expected probably a crash, probably an altercation for a woman, but not a stab.”

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, a motive for the murder is yet to be determined.

Hilberto Romero

“We do not have a motive at this time. They were all involved in the fight at Jaguar Avenue.”

Marion Ali

“Was this from an old dispute or something that just erupted?”

Hilberto Romero

“All we know is that there was a fight there and he was stabbed. That’s all we have at this time.”

Ortiz was a beloved figure in the Lake Independence community, known for his vibrant personality and infectious energy. To many, he was the life of the party, always bringing joy and laughter wherever he went.

Deandra Staine

“Everybody just like ih vibe da just life.”

Shanine Campbell

“Shawn was fearless was fearless. He used to say, “I go everywhere because I have nothing, I don’t have any feud, any quarrel, any fuss with anyone.” But here it comes. A stab wound at an establishment and we have no idea what really happened.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Man Stabbed During Domestic Dispute in Hattieville

A woman is in police custody, and her brothers are on the run after a fight left her common-law husband with a knife wound. Today, A.C.P. Hilberto Romero shared with the media that Kenroy Lanza, the victim, got into a domestic dispute with his girlfriend. She called her brothers for backup, and when they arrived, things quickly escalated. In the chaos, Lanza was stabbed. The woman is now detained as the investigation continues, and the police are actively searching for her siblings.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Sunday, 30th of November 2024, police visited Hattieville Village, where information was received that Kenroy Lanza had received stab wound injuries. He was rushed to the K.H.M.H., where he is presently admitted in a critical condition. Investigation revealed that Kenroy Lanza had a domestic dispute with his girlfriend, and she alerted her brothers, who then came. There was a fight between them which resulted in Lanza being stabbed. We have the female in custody and we’re seeking the other two brothers at this time. An investigation is being carried out and we have to verify certain information and at the end of the investigation, we will determine who will be charged. This is an open investigation at this time.”

Man Dies in Collision One Week After Purchasing Motorcycle

In recent months, fatal road traffic accidents have tragically become one of the leading causes of death in Belize. This past weekend, the country mourned the loss of two more lives in separate accidents in the northern and southern regions. One of the victims was Elias Cowo, a resident of San Felipe, who lost his life en route to August Pine Ridge Village. News Five’s Britney Gordon brings us the details in this report.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

In late October, Elias Cowo from San Felipe was anxious to buy a new motorcycle. Little did he know, just a week later, he’d be taking his final ride. Around ten p.m., Elias hopped on his bike, heading to a party he was excited about. Tragically, he never made it. His brother, Daniel, recounts the heartbreaking events of that night.

Daniel Cowo, Brother of Deceased

“I was at the home with my mom. She was sick. Afterward, I told her, where’s my breda? She told me she, he had left from him. He just bathe, and gone outside with the motorcycle. So I tell my mom. He will come back right now. Cause he always do that. Well, then I went to buy some stuff. Then I come back to my house. And then I leave. After that, then I come out. When I come out, I had a call from my wife. And she tell me that something happen to my breda.”

Britney Gordon

This is the road Cowo was travelling. And just before he made it to Shipyard Junction, reportedly, a drunken man entered into his path. And in an attempt to avoid him, he lost his life.

Britney Gordon

“When you got there and saw that, what was the feeling upon seeing something like that?”

Daniel Cowo

“Well, I got scared. It’s my brother, so I cannot do nothing.”

Britney Gordon

“Were there already paramedics on the scene trying to assist him”

Daniel Cowo

“No, no. There was nothing about that. Only the police officers were there. But they were waiting for, like, somebody from the family who know that that’s the body of him in there. So that’s why I was there. I reach there late though. I neva know about it. I just gone.”

Reports say the person who wandered onto the road was drunk but luckily only got minor injuries. However, Elias’ brother, Cowo, shared that Elias wasn’t wearing a helmet and might have been drinking too.

Daniel Cowo

“I think that he got an injury in his foot and his hand. But, I’m not sure what happened exactly. But my brother died in the instantly. He was going with the motorcycle. I think, when he said in person closer, he crashed with it.”

Britney Gordon

“Trying to avoid him?”

Daniel Cowo

“Yeah. And it was already close because my brother was drunk too, so we could not do nothing.”

Elias’ mother, Isabel Cowo, is taking his death the hardest. She told us that she had pleaded with him not to ride the motorcycle that night.

Isabel Cowo, Mother of Deceased

“I am making all the arrangements right now to be able to get my son’s body, but it’s been very difficult. Everything takes a process. So far, I’ve been told we have to wait through the process to get his body. We don’t know if it will take a week or two. We dont know. We understand that it’s not only his case; there are other families as well in similar situations, waiting for updates. All I know is that I’m trying my best. To tell you the truth, I have never been through such an ordeal like this before. My husband’s death felt different. But losing my son—it’s a pain I’ve never felt before. Right now I’m feeling very hurt; I feel bad; it’s something that I think no one can really overcome alone, only with the help of God. That’s really all I can say for now.”

While Daniel admits that Elias could be a bit reckless at times, he fondly remembers his brother’s infectious, jovial spirit that lit up every room he entered.

Daniel Cowo

“He used to go out around with a lot of guys. He always goes to a party and dance and everything. He enjoy, like too much to enjoy everything, yeah. But, I always tell him, be careful for everything. You don’t know what’s going to happen to you if you go on the motorcycle and drunk. My mom doesn’t want it that way. He did buy a motorcycle, so that’s why.”

Daniel says that he is trying to be there for his mother as he attempts to process his own grief. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Police Say Cowo Lost Control of Motorcycle

As we mentioned earlier, another tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of a Belizean man on Saturday. The victim was Elias Cowo from San Felipe. His family suspects that alcohol and possibly another person were involved in the circumstances leading to his death. Here’s ACP Hilberto Romero with the official report.

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, the second day of November, there was a fatal road traffic accident at San Felipe Village in the Orange Walk District. Police visited the area where they saw the lifeless body of Elias Cowo. Beside him, there was a motorcycle with extensive damages. Investigation revealed that Elias Cowo was driving his motorcycle when he lost control and fell to the street causing his fatal injuries.”

B.D.F Soldier Recuperating Well After He was Run Over

A B.D.F. soldier is reportedly recovering well at home after a fellow soldier accidentally ran him over two Thursdays ago at Price Barracks. The incident occurred after a social event, as soldiers were heading back to their barrack rooms for the night. According to B.D.F Commandant, Brigadier General Azariel Loria, the victim was walking back to his room and somehow fell asleep on the pavement in a poorly-lit area of the barracks.

Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commandant. B.D.F.

“We were having an event at the Families’ Association Building. The events culminated at around two or so in the morning. The officer was trying to walk back to his barrack room, but for some reason he fell asleep on the road. It’s an area that is poorly illuminated and there were a slew of vehicles that were trafficking to go back again to their barrack rooms to sleep and it so happened that one of those vehicles ran him over.”

Hipolito Novelo

“How is he doing?”

Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria

“By the grace of God, he is doing well. I don’t know what he is made of but he did survive. He was run over properly by a pickup truck and he is at home recuperating. He had minor injuries only. I think that he had abrasions, minor lesions to his lungs.”

Hipolito Novelo

“But the driver of the pickup truck, was he intoxicated? Was he drinking?”

Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria

“Well, that I don’t know. I don’t know if he was drinking or not. An investigation is being conducted into that.”

Hipolito Novelo

“Is it true that his license to drive here in Price Barracks has been pulled?”

Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria

“Yes, that is my prerogative. And usually when incidents happen like that, it is standard operating procedures that whenever anyone gets into an accident, his driver’s license is suspended, depending on the outcome of the investigation.”

Hipolito Novelo

“You said usually when these incidents happen. You make it seem as though these incidents are common.”

Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria

“Nah, here in Price Barracks they are very, very isolated.”

G.O.B Backpedals on Proposed K.H.M.H.A Act Amendment

The Government of Belize has decided to back off from its plan to amend the K.H.M.H.A. Act. Last week, the K.H.M.H.A. Workers Union held a press conference to voice their objections to the proposed legislation that would remove the union’s seat from the hospital board. The amendment suggested that the seat be filled by a representative of the N.T.U.C.B. who isn’t an employee at the hospital. However, after a meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño on Friday, N.T.U.C.B. President Luke Martinez announced that they’ve decided to keep a member of the K.H.M.H.A. Workers Union on the board.

Luke Martinez, President, N.T.U.C.B

“I think that we have passed that issue and we have a way forward. The KHMH Union will remain on the board of directors. Of course they will have to nominate internally who they are going to reserve for appointment now. So, we have managed to move beyond that.”

Paul Lopez

“How did you view this change that was being proposed?”

Luke Martinez

“I have given it the, look clearly there was some kind of communications happening between the KHMH Union and internally and their leadership and the prime minister. I am not privy to that conversation. But clearly from our end, it was an issue that we could have discussed with the prime minister with a clear way forward. So we were able to amicable have that conversation and advance.”

N.T.U.C.B Advocates for Local Internet Providers Over Starlink

Last Wednesday, we delved into the potential impact of Starlink, the U.S.-based satellite internet company owned by tech mogul Elon Musk. As we reported, Starlink has applied for a license to provide internet services here in Belize. The final decision rests with the Public Utilities Commission, which has already received ten letters of objection. The National Trade Union Congress of Belize has also voiced its concerns to the commission and raised the issue with the prime minister on Friday. Today, N.T.U.C.B. President Luke Martinez emphasized that we can’t let this company enter Belize and cut into B.T.L.’s market share.

Luke Martinez, President, N.T.U.C.B

“We have submitted via a letter to the P.U.C and we had asked several questions and recommendations. So, while we agree with you and the public that there are these questions that have been going around in terms of how do we reach out to everybody, if we reach out to the technical people from B.E.L, they will tell you that those in the telecommunication sector will tell you that at least ninety-five percent of our population has access to internet service. With the saying of leaving no one behind there is questions about the remaining five percent. So, we made a recommendation saying look if it is something we can’t prevent in the interest of the other five percent and leaving no one behind, we recommended for a reseller option to be proposed. We also discussed with the prime minister that when it comes to our police ands nation defense we have to ensure we protect our integrity, our sovereignty and ensure that we keep our defense as intact as we possibly can. We did mention to the P.M. that would be a concern. We have to understand that B.T.L is our national telecommunication body and Social Security invest over thirty percent in B.T.L, so we cant allow B.T.L to fail.”

When will the O.S.H Bill Be Enacted into Law?

During their meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño on Friday, N.T.U.C.B. representatives also voiced their concerns about the Occupational Safety and Health Bill. When we last spoke with N.T.U.C.B. President Luke Martinez in April, he mentioned that their proposal was with the attorney general. Here’s what he had to say today.

Luke Martinez, President, N.T.U.C.B

“Quite frankly, one of the biggest hold back with this legislation is the fact that we are dealing with a new world of work. A lot has changed since we worked on that document, post COVID. At labor advisory board level, the ministry had forwarded the completed work. There was a work completed by the NTUCB and everybody knows we are on board jointly, chamber and NTUCB. But, the document was sent to Attorney General Ministry for their perusal as well as to the International Labor Organization and that took some time. We believe that we could have received feedback on that request earlier. Nonetheless there is feedback from the AG Ministry and I.L.O. So we will see where we go from there. But, there is a commitment from the prime minister. It is a welcomed commitment that he will do his best to bring the Ministry of Labor, Chamber and the NTUCB in one room and we should be able to conduct our revision and see how we can get out of there with a document that goes back to the House in bill form.”

B.D.F. Soldier Says His Salary is Not Enough

Are B.D.F. soldiers earning enough to make ends meet? That’s the question we asked B.D.F. Commandant, Brigadier General Azariel Loria, last Friday after the latest batch of recruits graduated. While Loria assured us that the salaries are sufficient, News Five received a WhatsApp message and a digital copy of a pay slip from a concerned soldier. In his message to the Prime Minister, the soldier expressed his struggles with his salary, especially around Christmastime when he can’t afford gifts for his children. He mentioned his ten years of service and the issue of frozen increments, accusing Brigadier General Loria of not advocating enough for better pay and rations. However, Loria maintained that the salaries are fair and will be adjusted.

Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commandant, B.D.F.

“Our salaries has been reviewed at the moment and it’s not only for the BDF but also for Coast Guard. And, also, I believe that there were some allowances approved to the air wing pilots and to the whole of the BDF to start to draw jungle and bush allowances. So it is something that the government is looking into. And I know that, with this, the level of cooperation that we are having from government, it is something very positive that all of us are looking into and seeing the results. No, it’s not a pay increase. We’re not getting a pay raise. It’s an adjustment where we’re looking in ways in which our pay scale could be adjusted because of that minimum wage that came into effect.”

B.D.F. To Get Communication Equipment

Loria also mentioned that the B.D.F. is getting a boost in communication equipment, thanks to help from the Central Bank of Belize. This new gear, which includes body cams, satellite radios, and tracking devices, will be sent to the most remote posts along the Belize/Guatemala border.

Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commandant. B.D.F.

“We are in the process of purchasing our satellite phones with the assistance of the BDF. Central Bank of Belize. We’re forming a partnership so that we could at least equip t the most remote areas, be it Cadenas, Machaquil Ha, and Rio Blanco, Ceibo Chico with those types of equipment, so that in the event of any emergency, they can communicate. And we are going to get those tracking devices, but we’re finding means, and it’s not only tracking devices. We are in the era now that we need body cameras to ensure that if they meet Guatemalans, that we get the precise information back to camp. So, that is where we want to go now.”