2024-12-29 - Channel 5 Belize

Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President, Dies at 100

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the longest-living American president, passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. His son, Chip Carter, confirmed the death, which occurred at the family home in Plains, Georgia, at 3:45 p.m.

Carter, who entered hospice care in February 2023, served as president from 1977 to 1981. His term was marked by achievements such as the Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Israel and Egypt, and he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his tireless advocacy for global health and human rights. However, his presidency was overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis and a struggling economy, which led to his loss in the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan.

After leaving office, Carter’s reputation soared through his humanitarian work, including his involvement with Habitat for Humanity and the founding of the Carter Centre, which helped combat diseases like river blindness and Guinea worm.

Carter is survived by his children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn, passed away in November 2023.

He was Shot Multiple Times

Police have confirmed the death of 20-year-old Joshua James Maurice Hall. According to police, Joshua’s body was found behind Dominguez Layout, Corozal Town, with multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim had been missing since December 23, when he signed in at the Corozal Police Station as part of his bail conditions. Despite extensive searches and a $5,000 reward offered by his family, no leads had been found until his body was located.

Earlier today, his sister, Aiyana Hall, mourned his death on Facebook, saying, “Rest, my love. I love you forever.” A few hours later, Aiyana confirmed in a separate post, “My brother has been found deceased.”

San Pedro Lions Club Organises Donation Drive for Fire Victims

The San Pedro Lions Club is organising a donation drive to assist 12 families that were left homeless after a fire early Sunday morning in San Pedro Town. The fire destroyed two apartment buildings and a garage on Sea Star Street.

In a Facebook post, the Lions Club urged community support, stating, “The San Pedro Lions Club is organising a donation drive to help the 12 families affected by the recent fire… Household items can be dropped off, but only clothes in good condition and good items will be accepted. Monetary donations will also be accepted.”

As previously reported, police rescued four children trapped inside while firefighters battled the flames. No injuries were reported.

Resident Fermin Witzil, 40, claimed that Angela Tun, a Belizean-Mexican national, had previously threatened harm. Tun is now a person of interest in the investigation.

The fire also damaged an SUV and motorcycle parked near the buildings.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Man Found Chopped to Death in Cayo

Police are investigating the death of Carlos Oscar Luis Lara, a 45-year-old labourer from Benque Viejo, who was found dead on Sunday, December 29, in Maya Ranch, San Ignacio.

Authorities responded around 8:34 a.m. and discovered Lara’s body with multiple chop wounds.

He was transported to the San Ignacio Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The investigation continues.

BREAKING: Body of Joshua Hall Found

Reports emerging from Corozal are that the body of 20-year-old Joshua Hall has been found.

Joshua’s sister, Aiyana Hall, posted on Facebook saying that Joshua was thrown like a dog. “Unu dash Weh my Breda like wa dog unu chance my Breda out a ie life dawg.”

She also posted, “Rest my love. I love you forever. Y’all changed my heart for good.”

Details of where his body was found are still being confirmed.

Joshua went missing on December 23 after signing in at the Corozal Police Station as part of his bail conditions. Records confirmed he signed in at 8:58 a.m., but it was unclear if he left the station. Despite meeting with police and reviewing nearby camera footage, the family found no leads. Hall’s sister, Eden, noted his improved behavior since his release on November 26 and mentioned receiving mysterious blank calls. The family offered a $5,000 reward for information on his whereabouts. Hall was last seen wearing a green shirt, black cargo pants, and Nike flip-flops, riding a pink bicycle.

Woman Robbed in Broad Daylight in Succotz

A woman was assaulted and robbed by two men on a black motorcycle in broad daylight while leaving work in Succotz on Saturday evening, December 28, around 4:30 p.m. In a social media post, 42-year-old Vania Garcia, the victim, said, “I was assaulted and robbed yesterday coming out from work in broad daylight at around 4:30 pm in Succotz.”

According to reports, the passenger brandished a knife as he approached Garcia, resulting in cuts to her arm and back. In her statement, she added that while her injuries were minor, she “lost everything! I’m phoneless! You can only reach me through messenger!”

The robbers stole her wallet, cellphone, taser, and other items, valued at BZD 3,370.

Police reviewed local surveillance footage but found no clear leads. Garcia was treated for her injuries and released.

12 Families Homeless After Suspected Arson on La Isla Bonita

A fire early Sunday morning on Sea Star Street, San Pedro Town, destroyed two apartment buildings and a garage and left 12 families homeless.

The fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. and quickly engulfed the buildings. Police reportedly rushed into the burning building to rescue four sleeping children while firefighters battled the flames.

No injuries were reported.

According to resident Fermin Witzil, 40, he heard the loud hissing of gas coming from his downstairs room before an explosion occurred. He reported discovering multiple gas tanks with open valves.

Witzil alleged that Angela Tun, a Belizean-Mexican national, had been living in his room for four days and had previously threatened harm. Tun is now a person of interest in the investigation.

The fire also damaged an SUV and motorcycle parked near the buildings.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire.