Two Women Shot on Vernon Street; Police Investigate Attempted Murder

Police are investigating an attempted murder after a shooting incident on Vernon Street in Belize City left two women injured on Tuesday night. The attack happened around 6:30 p.m. in front of Berger Field as 40-year-old Stephany James was closing her business.

According to initial investigations, James and 55-year-old Maria Cruz were walking with a known male individual when a gunman suddenly pulled out a firearm and opened fire in their direction. Both women were struck by bullets and were rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment. James was later released, while Cruz remains hospitalised in stable condition.

James, who lives in the area, recounted the terrifying ordeal, stating that the shooter appeared suddenly and fired indiscriminately into the crowd. “He didn’t care who got hit. He didn’t care if it was kids, if it was a female like me, or if it was an elderly woman. His intention was to kill,” she said.

James expressed frustration over the lack of security in the community, despite police presence in the area. She also called for increased patrols and enforcement, stating that troublemakers continue to bring violence to their neighbourhood.