Young Father Killed Seconds Away From Home

In another tragic case of gun violence, a family is grieving the loss of their loved one after his life was taken over the weekend. On Saturday, March sixteenth, twenty-six-year-old Liston Williams was riding home on his motorcycle when suddenly several shots were fired in his direction at the intersection of Madam Liz Avenue and Woodpecker Street, ultimately killing him. While an investigation is ongoing, police have their suspicions as to who may be responsible. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Friends and family are at a loss for words as they process the recent death of twenty-six-year-old Liston Williams. On Saturday, around ten p.m., the father of one was just moments away from his home on Madam Liz Avenue when a series of shots would be fired at him. Williams was thrown from his motorcycle and onto the ground where he was quickly met by neighbors who had been socializing in the area and taken to the hospital. Police would later respond to the report.

 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“On Saturday, the sixteenth day of March 2024, around nine fifty p.m., police responded to shots fired at Madame Liz in Belize City. Upon arrival, they found Liston Williams with gunshot injuries. He was taken to the KHMH where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigation revealed that mister Williams was in the area when he was approached by a male person who fired several shots, causing his fatal injuries. Several persons are detained pending investigation regarding this murder.”

 

Although police say that Williams was known to them, his death came as a shock to many. According to several residents, Williams was a polite, kind neighbor, loyal friend, and devoted father who was not known to cause trouble. Upon investigation, police believe that Williams was targeted by an associate.

 

Hilberto Romero

“Yes, he was known to police.”

 

Reporter

“Would you guys be able to say or have a reason why anybody would want to target him?”

 

Hilberto Romero

“Investigation revealed this is an internal feud with persons from that area that led to this shooting.”

 

A few neighbors who had been socializing in the area at the time of the incident said the events unfolded suddenly as Williams had just seconds before honked his horn to greet them. A sound that was followed by gunshots seconds later. In that light, several people believe that the assailant knew William’s route and had been waiting for him to pass by. That theory was further supported by Commissioner of Police Chester Williams.

 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“We believe that mister Williams was killed by his own associates. I’m not going to say who, but his own associates are the one who once were responsible.”

 

Reporter

“Any suspects or persons detained?”

 

Chester Williams

“We do have suspects at this time and I think some of them are detained, yes”

 

Reporter

“Motive?”

 

Chester Williams

“We do not have a definitive motive at this time. But like I said, he was killed by his own associates.”

 

As residents of the area lament the safety of their neighborhood, several noted the absence of a police booth that had previously been installed on that street a few years ago. They claim that if the police booth had been in operation, the crime may have been avoided. Britney Gordon for News Five.