2025-04-21 - Channel 5 Belize

Teen and 27-Year-Old Arrested for Murder in Punta Gorda

Police have charged two men in connection with the murder of Jeremiah Coc, who was found chopped to death Friday, April 18, in Punta Gorda Town.

A 17-year-old Guatemalan national and 27-year-old Belizean construction worker Axel Goevany Zetino were formally arrested and jointly charged with murder on Monday, April 21.

Coc’s body was discovered in the Indianville area of Punta Gorda around 9:00 a.m. The male victim had multiple chop wounds, including one to the neck.

Family members said in a social media statement, “I am NOT gonna say that my little brother was an angel. However, he didn’t deserve to be chopped up like a piece of wood.”

We apologise for previously publishing an inaccurate photo of the victim. We extend our sincere apologies to the family for any harm and distress this may have caused.

Belize Mourns Death of Pope Francis

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, along with the Government of Belize, has joined the global Catholic community in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier today on Easter Monday.

In an official statement, the Diocese expressed deep sorrow at the pontiff’s passing, describing him as a shepherd of humility and a powerful advocate for the poor, peace, and the environment.

Rev. Fr. Jordan Gongora, Diocesan Administrator, said in a statement, “We entrust the soul of our beloved Pope Francis to the mercy of God.”

The Diocese also announced a memorial mass in the pope’s honour, to be held in Belize City on Monday, 28 April, at 6:00 p.m. All members of the public are invited to attend and pray for the repose of the late pontiff’s soul.

The Government of Belize, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, also released a statement extending condolences to the global Catholic community. Recalling Pope Francis’ 2024 meeting with Prime Minister John Briceño at the Vatican, the government noted the Holy Father’s support for the Church’s developmental work in Belize and his lifelong dedication to compassion, humility, and peace.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church and was widely regarded as a reformer and a champion of social justice throughout his papacy.

Pope Francis Dies Aged 88 on Easter Monday

Pope Francis has died aged 88, bringing an end to a historic papacy that challenged tradition, social justice, and global outreach, the Vatican News reported.

The Vatican confirmed that the Pontiff passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. on 21 April 2025 at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the news just over two hours later, expressing sorrow and gratitude for a life “dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.”

Vatican officials said his body is expected to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, 23 April, for public viewing. The final arrangements will be confirmed after a meeting of Cardinals on Tuesday.

The late Pope had been battling health issues since February, when he was hospitalised for bronchitis. His condition deteriorated after being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on 18 February. He spent over a month at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic before returning to the Vatican in late March to continue his recovery.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he became the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope in 2013. He was known for his humility, plain speech and unwavering advocacy for the marginalised, the Vatican News reported. Pope Francis spent over a decade pushing the Church to be more inclusive, open, and focused on social justice.