Crime & Violence
Commissioner Rosado Placed on Leave Pending Full Budna Investigation
On Monday, September 8, 2025, Belize’s Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, was placed on a 45-day leave amid the controversy surrounding the Joseph Budna kidnapping case. The move, unprecedented in Belize’s history, followed Prime Minister John Briceño’s review of an initial investigative report that he deemed “incomplete and unsatisfactory.” The decision has sparked a strong national reaction.
Crime & Violence
Two Minors Charged for Attempted Robbery at Publics Supermarket in San Pedro
A 57-year-old security guard from San Pedro Town continues to recover after being shot during an attempted armed robbery at Publics Supermarket. Police have since charged two minors in connection with the incident, which occurred on September 5 at the store on Coconut Drive.
Crime & Violence
Minor arrested for Backatown shooting
A 16-year-old minor has been arrested and charged with Attempted Murder and Use of Deadly Means of Harm in connection with the August 26 shooting in the Backatown area of San Pedro Town. The early morning incident left 25-year-old Jose Manuel Velasquez injured.
Crime & Violence
No Arrests Made in Backatown Shooting
A San Pedro barber, 25-year-old Jose Manuel Velasquez, survived an early morning shooting on Tuesday, August 26th, in the Backatown area. He was reportedly approached by a known male individual who pulled out a firearm and fired at him, grazing him but causing no fatal injuries. Velasquez was rushed to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II, where he was stabilized and listed in stable condition. Police are investigating the incident but have not yet detained the shooter.
Crime & Violence
Brothers Remanded After Charged for Alleged Gang Involvement
Following a shooting incident at a residence in the San Pedrito area belonging to the Espat family, brothers Alexander Logan and Mark Espat were detained and subsequently charged with being members of a gang. The pair were arraigned at the Belize City Magistrate's Court on Monday, July 21st. They were denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until their next court appearance, set for September 24, 2025.
Crime & Violence
Carlos Gomez Remanded for Assaulting His Mother
Carlos Gomez, 18 years old, of the San Mateo subdivision, has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison after being arraigned on charges of Grievous Harm and Use of Deadly Means of Harm against his 56-year-old mother, Marleny Calderon.
Crime & Violence
Gunmen Open Fire at Espat Residence in San Pedrito Area
Police are investigating a shooting incident in the San Pedrito area of San Pedro Town that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, July 19th. Video footage shows several individuals firing shots at a residence believed to belong to Logan and Mark Espat before fleeing the area. One person was reported injured.
Crime & Violence
San Mateo Shooting Leaves One Dead, Another Hospitalized
On Thursday night, July 3rd, island residents Alfredo Trapp, 28, and Gabriel Villafranco Salazar, 38, were targeted by two gunmen as they traveled in a golf cart. Trapp was fatally shot, while Salazar was left in critical condition and later airlifted to Belize City for further medical attention.
Crime & Violence
Police Await DPP Advice on Fatal Dispute Between Daniel Salazar and Father
San Pedro Police are awaiting directives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on whether island resident Daniel Salazar, 39, will be held criminally liable for the death of his father, 59-year-old Rubio Salazar. Daniel is accused of allegedly causing his father’s death on Saturday, June 14th, during a domestic altercation at their home in the San Mateo area, north of San Pedro Town.
Crime & Violence
Postmortem rules Selvin Sealy’s death as homicide, family demands answers
On Saturday, May 17th, Selvin Sealy Jr., 32, was laid to rest in San Pedro Town. The island resident died in police custody after he was apprehended for trespassing on private property south of San Pedro earlier in the week. While family members are questioning the circumstances surrounding his death, police on the island say the matter is under investigation, and a file has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further advice.
Crime & Violence
American who hijacked plane in Belize was trying to reach Texas
On Thursday, April 17th, the country was shocked when a Cessna 208EX Grand Caravan carrying 14 passengers, including a child, belonging to Tropic Air, was hijacked by a man wielding a knife. The hijacker, Akinyela Taylor, a 49-year-old U.S. citizen, demanded that the pilot take the plane out of the country, specifically to Texas, USA. His demands were not met, and during the ordeal, three individuals were injured. Taylor was ultimately shot and killed by one of the passengers upon landing at the Philip Goldson International Airport.
