Community and Society
Belize Authorities Pledge Stronger Protection After Domestic Violence Tragedy
Belizean authorities and government partners have united in condemnation following the brutal killing of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña and her two children, 6-year-old Tishan and 17-year-old Shadia, who perished in a house fire in San Felipe Village, Orange Walk District, on October 20, 2025. Police investigations indicate the blaze was intentionally set by Magaña’s ex-partner, Francisco Godoy, who had a prior history of domestic violence and was released from jail just days before the attack.
Crime & Violence
Major Crimes Up, Domestic Violence Down in Belize’s Third Quarter Report
From July to September 2025, Belize recorded an increase in major crimes and murders, while domestic violence reports showed a notable decline. The Belize Crime Observatory’s latest third-quarter report revealed that the Belize Police Department documented a total of 300 major crimes during this period, 28 more than the same quarter in 2024. These included 21 murders, 14 rapes, 53 robberies, and 167 burglaries. In contrast, domestic violence reports dropped by 16 cases to 333.
Crime
Barrio 18 Gang Leaders Escape Maximum Security Prison in Guatemala; Belize Remains on High Alert
Guatemalan authorities have launched a massive search after 20 high-ranking Barrio 18 gang members escaped from the Fraijanes II Maximum Security Prison on October 11, 2025. The gang, considered one of Central America’s most violent criminal organizations, is designated a foreign terrorist group by the United States. Among the fugitives are several key leaders identified by street names such as “Chucho,” “Cartoon,” “Happy,” “Wicked,” “Smoking,” “Liro Strong,” and “Psycho.”
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.
