Twenty-year-old Coby Ledlon was shot on Monday morning on Iguana Street Extension, just around the corner from his home on Pelican Street Extension. The police were in the middle of a media briefing about the weekend’s crime news when the morning’s quiet was shattered by gunshots. Officers quickly rushed to the scene and, within an hour, detained three individuals as the investigation continues. News Five’s Marion Ali has the story.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Commissioner of Police Chester Williams, along with A.C.P. Hilberto Romero, was among the first to respond to the mid-morning shooting of twenty-year-old Coby Ledlon on Monday. They were in the midst of briefing the media on the weekend’s crime news when they got word of the fresh shooting. The Scenes of Crime officers arrived at the location and secured the perimeter. Coby Ledlon was shot by an unknown attacker while standing in front of a gate on Iguana Street Extension. Residents reported hearing two gunshots. Ledlon was hit twice in the upper body and collapsed to the ground. He was quickly rushed to K.H.M.H.
His mother arrived at the scene just minutes later and was seen getting into a vehicle to meet her critically wounded son at the hospital. Before Ledlon’s passing, the family had planned a candlelight vigil for tonight to pray for his recovery. Now, they are preparing for his funeral. A.C.P. Hilberto Romero informed reporters shortly after the shooting that investigators had detained three suspects.
“A short while ago, police responded to a shooting here at Iguana Street Extension. Upon arrival they saw Cody Ledlan, with a gunshot injury. He was taken to the K.H.M.H. for treatment. Initial investigation is that he was in this area when two persons came, one fired shots towards him. He was taken to the K.H.M.H. in critical condition at this time. Initial information is that there is an internal feud with persons in this area.”
Reporter
“Have you guys detained anyone as yet?
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero
“Yes, we have three persons in custody who were apprehended a short distance away from this area.”
Reporter
“Can you confirm if they knew each other; how many of them were gathering in the yard?”
A.C.P. Hilberto Romero
“Yes. We have information that they all know each other.”
Up to news time, no charges had been filed against anyone. Marion Ali for News Five.
It’s been over three weeks since Joseph Garcia tragically died after crashing into the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital while desperately seeking medical help for gunshot wounds. Garcia, along with passengers Ronlee Petillo and Shamar Faber, was driving along the Phillip Goldson Highway when they were suddenly attacked. While Petillo and Faber were lucky to survive, Garcia sadly didn’t make it. His mother is still searching for closure. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
On March eleventh, three individuals made headlines after their vehicle crashed into the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Behind the wheel was twenty-two-year-old Joseph Garcia, who tragically lost his life in the crash. Today, Garcia’s mother, Rosalia McLaughlyn, is still seeking answers.
Rosalie McLaughlyn
Rosalie McLaughlyn, Mother of Deceased
“I just need justice fi mi son because it’s been three weeks now, right? And then I really not di get no answers. I really noh hear nothing about the case. And then as a grieving mother, it hurt and thing, and then fi she that how my son dead inna the type of way, it very hurt because my son was innocent as to what was said on the news when it happened.”
McLaughlyn says that the case hasn’t seen much progress, and she’s desperate for answers. She explains that her son was just an innocent victim, caught in the deadly attack after he kindly offered Faber and Petillo a ride into Belize City. This was confirmed by Commissioner of Police Chester Williams in his initial briefing of the incident.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police (File: March 11th, 2025)
“The young man who died is certainly innocent. He is from Dangriga. Apparently, he just came up and took Petillo to the Maxboro area and because he was with Petillo he became a victim of those circumstances.”
Both Petillo and Faber have been discharged from the hospital. Petillo, also known as Nino Brown, is now paralyzed due to his injury. KHMH CEO Chandra Cansino described the sheer force of Garcia’s crash into the building.
Chandra Cansino
Chandra Cansino, C.E.O., KHMHA (File: March 11th, 2025)
“They came straight to the hospital. Unfortunately, I think because of the seriousness of the injuries, the driver was unable to make it to the emergency unit. They drove straight into the building. Where you saw the truck is actually the cafeteria and so, thankfully, there are no patients there, but we do have our staff there. So we were concerned both for them and the integrity of the building.”
McLaughlyn states that while nothing can bring her son back, justice would bring her some closure.
Rosalie McLaughlyn
“I really haven’t gotten any closure as yet and if something would’ve come up, somebody detained or wa suspect, at least I would’ve feel wa relief and at least they’re coming a step closer, to find who is responsible or something like that. So that just how I feel, and I mean that my oldest child and fi see the way he he get killed. It really hurt me. It really hurt me.”
Garcia is fondly remembered by his family and friends as a joyful and humble soul, always smiling and eager to learn from others. McLaughlyn feels her son’s life was tragically cut short and hopes that by reaching out to the public and the police department, some progress will be made in the case.
Rosalie McLaughlyn
“The day when I get this news, because he went up the Thursday and he was supposed to come back home on the Sunday and the Sunday morning when I get this news, it very heartbreaking for me. You understand? Very heartbreaking. And so I just mi di appeal to the police, something they’re must missing. Or even the public, somebody that knows something that can help with the case. Something weh ney di miss maybe somebody could come forward and say something,”
Just two nights after the tragic shooting of Elvis Aldana on Electric Avenue, another attack rocked the same neighborhood on Monday night. This time, it happened on Cannondale Drive, just two streets away from where Aldana was killed. Thankfully, no one was hurt in this latest incident. According to police reports, around 8:30 PM, a seventeen-year-old student was walking home from McKay Boulevard when he was ambushed. Two youths dressed in black, riding separate bikes, approached him. One of them pulled out a gun and fired several shots. The teenager managed to escape by sprinting into his yard, and the attackers rode off towards McKay Boulevard. Police recovered several shell casings, and a nearby house was left with bullet holes in its walls. Residents told News Five that the pair on bicycles had been seen circling the area before the shooting. They expressed deep concern about the recent surge in gun violence in their neighborhood.
The case management conference for Elmer Nah is ongoing before Justice Nigel Pilgrim. While the trial is set for June ninth to June thirtieth, 2025, a voir dire is scheduled to start on May twenty-fifth. Nah appeared virtually, along with his attorney Peter Taylor and Dr. Lynden Jones, while the crown was represented by Terrence Williams. During the proceedings, Nah requested the court’s help to see his attorney in person, stating he needs to speak with Peter Taylor, even if virtually, before his next court date. The judge ordered that Nah be brought to Belize City on April fourteenth, to meet with his attorney. Peter Taylor mentioned having difficulties contacting Nah due to issues with the prison authorities. At the end of today’s hearing, Justice Nigel Pilgrim reiterated the order for Nah to be brought to court on April fourteenth, to meet with his attorneys. He also ordered that additional CMC forms be filed by both sides by April eleventh, and set the voir dire for May twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth, with the trial commencing from June ninth to thirtieth. Additionally, the judge ordered an inspection of the headlight by April eleventh. On February twenty-seventh, Nah fired Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith in open court and replaced him with Peter Taylor and Dr. Lynden Jones. Nah is currently on remand for the murder of three Belmopan residents: brothers Jon and David Ramnarace, who were killed on December thirty-first, 2022, and Vivian Ramnarace, who succumbed to her injuries on January fifteenth, 2023. He is also charged with the attempted murder of Yemi Alberto. All four offenses will be tried by a judge without a jury. Nah faces a second indictment for two counts: use of deadly means of harm and wounding upon Yemi Alberto, which will be heard before a judge with a jury of nine people.
Patrick Robinson, a forty-four-year-old undertaker and owner of Leiva’s Funeral Parlor, has been found guilty of three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Robinson was accused of having sex with an eleven-year-old girl and continued until she was fourteen. Late Monday evening, Justice Derick Sylvester convicted Robinson on three of five counts. Robinson was represented by Senior Counsel Hubert Elrington and attorney Norman Rodriguez, while the Crown was represented by Shanell Fernandez from the DPP’s office. Still in shock after the guilty verdict, Robinson lay down in the back of the police pickup, despite being told to sit up while being escorted to Belize Central Prison. He will remain there until April twenty-fifth, 2025, when his mitigation plea will be heard before sentencing.
Thirty-year-old Shantell Williams is in jail after being found guilty of manslaughter in the stabbing death of her common-law husband, Louis Adolphus, thirty-nine. The incident happened at their home on Curassow Street in Belize City. Adolphus was stabbed once in the neck, causing him to bleed out. Despite getting help, he died from his injuries. The doctor confirmed he died from blood loss due to the stab wound. The fatal argument started over an umbrella Williams found at home, which led to a confrontation and then the stabbing. Williams initially told police she acted in self-defense after Adolphus hit her with the umbrella and grabbed a knife. She claimed she stabbed him to protect herself. Late last night, Justice Derick Sylvester found Williams guilty of manslaughter, stating that her use of force was unjustified. The court was convinced by the evidence presented by the Crown. During the trial, Williams testified that she acted in self-defense. The argument began in the early hours of August second, 2022, when Williams confronted Adolphus about an umbrella sent by a woman, she believed was his side chick. This led to a heated exchange about Adolphus’s past relationship with the woman. The last person to hear from Adolphus before his death was his brother, Emmerson Dominguez. Dominguez testified that Adolphus called him, sounding frightened, and said Williams had attacked him with a knife. Dominguez advised his brother to call the police. When the police first spoke with Williams, she had visible swelling and abrasions on her lips and fingers.
Belize is a shining example of diversity, with many communities coming together to create the nation’s unique cultural tapestry. Among these groups are the Lebanese, who, though not the majority, add to Belize’s distinct society. In today’s edition of Kolcha Tuesday, we catch up with Roger Beaino, the owner of Chef Roger’s Restaurant and Catering, a popular Lebanese spot in Belize City. He shares how he blends his love for Lebanon and Belize through his food. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the story.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Despite its small size, with a population of just over four hundred thousand, Belize remains a cultural hub in the region. Among the diverse ethnic groups that have blended into Belizean culture is the Lebanese community. One of the few hundred Lebanese Belizeans is Roger Beaino, who has called Belize home for over twenty-three years. As the owner of Chef Roger’s Restaurant and Catering in Belize City, Roger spends his days from eight a.m. to eight p.m. in the kitchen, passionately preparing authentic Lebanese cuisine for the people of Belize.
Roger Beaino
Roger Beaino, Owner, Chef Roger
“At this point, I’m very happy because I notice many Belizeans come to our place. First time they try and they really love it and they keep coming. It’s not, first time they come and then they never come back. They come for breakfast sometime, lunch and dinner for the same day. Like yesterday, we had some person come and then they come to order a chicken wrap, simple chicken wraps. They come for lunch and then she came back for dinner. She say, I love your food. That’s why I come back again, because I really love it.”
Through his cooking, Chef Roger has built strong connections with Belizeans. The more people he meets, the deeper his love for Belize grows. By preparing the dishes he learned in his mother’s kitchen, he keeps his ties to Beirut alive.
Roger Beaino
“At the beginning, it was a little difficult for us because completely different culture and when I came here it was little hard, but after a while I start to become more comfortable and start to meet more people more lovely people actually.”
Today, many Lebanese Belizeans live in the Cayo District, drawn by its beautiful flora and fauna. Beaino believes that despite the differences between Belize and Lebanon, they share similarities in their stunning environments, love for flavorful food, and the sincerity of their people.
Roger Beaino
“I believe the first Lebanese come to Belize in 1930, I believe, looking for a better opportunity, better life. Lebanon is a beautiful country as well. Just like Belize. Both country have similar, we have nature, we have sea. It’s the only thing different is the weather, but the connection between is I believe, the people, the lovely people, the humble people. Actually. That’s how we have the best connection. I believe I best connect with Lebanon and Belize.”
Chef Roger has become famous for his fresh pita bread. Over the years, he has perfected his dough recipe, which is used for dishes such as manoushe and his various wraps.
Roger Beaino
“Typical, we call it manoushe. We do different topping as well. We do spinach, we do spinach and cheese as well. We do eggs. If you love eggs in the morning, we can to do the eggs. Right now we have meat and eggs as well, which is, we just top it like this. If you want some vegetables as well, we can do.”
Chef Roger’s menu offers more than just popular chicken wraps and lamb kebabs. It includes delicious dishes like baba ganoush, made with roasted eggplants, and hummus made from chickpeas. He encourages every Belizean to step outside their comfort zone and try something new—your next favorite meal might be just around the corner.
Roger Beaino
“I know it’s hard to try something new. And I know people know they don’t want to spend on something they don’t want don’t like. I’ll give you an example. For example, a person he’s been my customer for a good while. He always order chicken wrap all the time. So one day he come and tell me can I get chicken wrap with hummus and garlic, do you think I will like it. I tell him, If you like it, you pay for it. If you don’t like it, don’t pay. So he say, okay, then I will take it. So he take it and then that’s it. After that, he just want a chicken wrap, hummus and garlic. That’s it. So it’s keep in his mind that you have to try something new, something different culture. Other than that, you will not be able to know what is that food.”
Chandra Cansino, the C.E.O. of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Social Security Board in Belize. Cansino brings a wealth of experience, having spent over two decades at the S.S.B. before taking on the role of C.E.O. at K.H.M.H. in 2021. Her appointment comes three months after Doctor Leroy Almendarez unexpectedly stepped down as C.E.O. of S.S.B. at the end of January, after less than a year in the position. Cansino is succeeding Nigeli Sosa. Cansino remains the Chief Executive Officer of the KHMH, as her appointment as chair of the S.S.B. is not a full-time role.
A nineteen-year-old fisherman from Belize City is about to embark on the opportunity of a lifetime in Japan. Delbert Hinds has been fishing with his father since he was just two years old, a trade he’s known all his life. But in 2021, Hinds tried out for a national baseball team and discovered a new passion. Since then, he’s been balancing his time between fishing and baseball training. Now, his hard work has paid off. A minor league development team in Japan has noticed his talent and offered him a three-month contract. This could be the start of an exciting career in baseball for Delbert Hinds. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this inspiring story.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
A Belize City fisherman is making waves in the world of baseball and has earned a contract to play in a minor league in Japan. Its commitment to baseball at all levels, from youth leagues to professional teams, and its cultural significance make Japan an important player in the global baseball scene. Nineteen-year-old Delbert Hinds has spent his entire life at sea with his father, catching and selling marine products at the Conch Shell Bay Fish Market. Hinds first tried baseball in 2021 when a U.S. national came to Belize to form a national team. As he recalls, he was supposed to go fishing with his father on the day of the tryouts.
Delbert Hinds
Delbert Hinds, Baseball Athlete
“My coach Mr. Rene Habet came and said let us go to the tryouts. I came, I liked it and after that I came everyday to workout. I didn’t expect nothing from it. But for a while people started to say good job, good job and that kind of built up my self esteem and I continued to grow my level. I use to come out here on the field and they would call me big for nothing, although they say that I take it as a positive reinforcement to try to prove them wrong, now I am good, up there with everyone and surpassing some of them. I don’t say I say I am better than anyone but hard work pays off. It beats talent every time.”
But Hinds’ stellar work ethics on the field is not the only reason why he has been excelling in baseball. He also has a strong support system. Jermaine Crawford, the organizer of the Belize Baseball League, has taken Hinds under his wing.
Jermaine Crawford
Jermaine Crawford, Organizer, Belize Baseball League
“I think we all know about the Cubs and Gary Mathews and all that lines up with that. In the late eighties, eighty-seven, Gary Mathews came to Belize and that started the little league baseball in Belize. But it only lasted until about ninety-two, ninety-three. Since then, we have been playing softball. Softball was before, it is still now, baseball is then, but we are back here in Belize. Not brining baseball back to Belize, but reviving the sport.”
One of Delbert’s coaches, Kazuhiro Shiiba, hails from Japan. Known as Kazu, he volunteers with the Belize Baseball League through a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Thanks to Kazu’s guidance, Hinds has honed his pitching skills, reaching speeds of up to ninety miles an hour.
Kazuhiro Shiiba
Kazuhiro Shiiba, Baseball Coach
“Specially I teach pitching mechanics for Delbert. He has good physical skills but not enough pitching skills, so I teach pitching skills. There is a team in Japan. They support players from foreign countries. So, they have a system to accept them to play baseball in better fields with better baseball staff. So he can go to Japan and play.”
Jermaine Crawford
“Delbert’s skills have reached the eyes of persons in other countries, primarily in Japan and through our JICA volunteer, Kazu he has gotten an opportunity with a minor league development team in Japan. So Delbert has been awarded a ninety-day contract, May one to July thirty to play in a minor league development program to play in Japan.”
Kazu hopes that Delbert will sign with another team in Japan once his current contract ends. For Delbert, this opportunity is a dream come true and a chance to support his parents in the long run.
Delbert Hinds
“My personal mission is to get somewhere to a higher level, to get signed and support my family. I have family here. I live with my mom only. So, to support her is my goal.”
Paul Lopez
“What do you think it will take to do that?”
Delbert Hinds
“Give it my best, a hundred percent, maybe a hundred and ten percent. I am going all out this time. I am going all out this time. I thought Mexico was my limit, like literally. I thought of it as fun, recreational sport. But people told me I could make it somewhere. So I took it upon myself to give it my all.”
Hinds is set to travel later in April. From fishing in the Caribbean Sea to playing baseball overseas, all his travel expenses and three-month stay have been covered by a generous donor in Belize. Now, all Hinds needs to do is showcase his determination and talent for Japan and the world to see.
Delbert Hinds
“I am relieved right now. I know I am going officially. So right now I am trying to stay injury free. But I give it my all here. We don’t have a baseball field to practice, so I practice softball. It is the same mechanically, then I have some of my friends that catch baseball for me.”
On Monday, the Department of Environment held a meeting with regulatory agencies to address the concerns raised by San Pedro residents about the Cayo Rosario Project. As reported last week, island residents are protesting the large-scale development within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Oceana Belize has also called for stronger protection of Belize’s marine ecosystems. Beverly Wade, the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Blue Economy, attended the meeting. Here’s what she had to say about the outcome.
Beverly Wade
Beverly Wade, C.E.O., Ministry of Blue Economy
“Cayo Rosario is a very emotional matter and it is understood. It is something that is close to naturally the resident’s hearts. The bottom line is that it is a private island and there was a development proposed. What happened in 2021 there was a revised ECP which took into consideration the concerns of the community, the fly fishers, the density of the project as much as possible to ensure that what was being permitted would not negatively affect the marine reserve. I am very happy to report that yesterday the DOE held a meeting with all regulatory agencies to chart a way forward in order for the agencies to be more coordinated and to ensure they are in a position to carry out the regulations in line with the ECP carried in 2021 and what was authorized for development, but also in a position for better communication with the community and stakeholders so they understand what the development is. They should also understand that the authorities have a presence to ensure what is happening out there is what is permitted.”
