June, 2025 - Greater Belize Media

2 U.S. Nationals Found Dead in Belize; Authorities Launch Separate Investigations

Tonight, Belizean authorities are investigating the deaths of two U.S. nationals, found just days apart in separate parts of the country. The first case was reported on May twenty-ninth in Placencia, where police discovered the body of sixty-four-year-old Fred Hoffman. Friends had contacted the authorities after not hearing from him, and officers found him unresponsive at his home. There were no visible injuries. Just a few days later, tragedy struck again, this time in San Pedro Town. Fifty-six-year-old Jeffrey Young was found unresponsive by his wife, who immediately alerted police. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith says both cases are being treated as separate incidents, and post-mortem examinations are pending to determine the exact causes of death.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Police are currently investigating the deaths of two US nationals in separate circumstances. The first investigation pertains to Fred Mason Hoffman, sixty-four-year-old, where on the twenty-ninth of May at approximately nine fifty-one p.m. police visited a residence on Placencia main road where Hoffman was observed in an unresponsive state. He was subsequently escorted to the Southern Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body of Hoffman did not exhibit any visible injuries. However, now awaits a postmortem. Police were alerted as they were called to conduct a welfare check on the residence, as persons familiar with him had stated that they had not seen him for a few hours, which is something outside of the norm for him. As it relates to the second debt investigation pertaining to the US National, this one concerns Jeffrey Allen Young, fifty-six-year-old American National who was residing in San Pedro town. This occurred on June first, 2025. The wife of Young reported to police that around three p.m. on that date. She made checks on her husband and found him in an unresponsive state. Young was not known to have any preexisting medical conditions. However, due to observations made by the officers on the scene, the scene was processed by a SOC personnel and the body was subsequently transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where it now awaits a post-mortem examination.”

Red Bank Toddler’s Death Sparks Questions

On Friday, tragedy struck in Red Bank Village when three-year-old Luis Sandoval lost his life while under the care of a relative. According to initial reports, the toddler had been left in the care of a sixteen-year-old family member when he wandered off into a nearby yard. Moments later, he was found unresponsive in a bucket of water. But as the family grapples with this devastating loss, new details have emerged. Loved ones now say Luis was not found in a bucket, but instead suffered what they believe was heart failure. The conflicting accounts have left many with questions and few answers. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith says the official cause of death will be determined following a post-mortem examination. As the investigation continues, the community is rallying around the Sandoval family, offering support during this unimaginable time.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Police are investigating the death of three-year-old Jose Luis Sandoval, which occurred on thirtieth May. 2025 in the Red Bank Village, Stann Creek District. So far, what investigators have been able to ascertain as it relates to that incident is that Sandoval was left in the care of a sixteen-year-old relative when at approximately three forty in the afternoon because she could not locate Sandoval in the house or on the in the property. she extended her search to the property adjacent to deers, and that search ultimately concluded with the discovery of Sandoval in a bucket which contained water. No visible injuries were observed on sun, naval, and the body now awaits a postmortem.”.

Reporter

“The family is pushing back on the police report. They’re stating that child was not found in a bucket and that the child did not drown, They’re citing heart issues with the child. Police’s response to that pushback?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“Well, certainly the postmortem examination, I believe, will clearly indicate the cause of that conclusively.”

Man Charged in DUI Crash That Killed Teen

Police have formally arrested and charged twenty-year-old Jose Funez in connection with the death of sixteen-year-old Denver Jackson. The fatal incident occurred on May twenty-fifth, when the two were riding a motorcycle near the Santa Elena Bridge. According to investigators, Funez lost control of the motorcycle, causing it to slam into a lamppost. Jackson, who was riding as a passenger, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that Funez was under the influence at the time of the crash, a revelation that has only deepened the heartbreak for Jackson’s family and the wider community. Funez now faces serious charges as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, loved ones are left mourning a young life cut tragically short.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“As it relates to the investigation of Denver Jackson, the sixteen-year-old male minor, police, formally arrested and charged Jose Funez a twenty-year-old Santa Elena town resident for the crimes of manslaughter by negligence and causing death by careless conduct, as well as the offenses of using a motor vehicle not covered by third party insurance, using a motor vehicle that was on license and drove motor vehicle without due care and attention as well as driving a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit. He was arraigned before the San Ignacio Magistrate court on the aforementioned charges.”

Reporter

“So alcohol was the main factor in the incident?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“We cannot conclusively say that it was the main factor. However, the investigation has disclosed that mister Funez was under the influence at the time of the incident.”

Ryan Budna Arrested for Cyberbullying

Ryan Budna, known for his outspoken presence on Facebook, has been arrested and formally charged with cyberbullying. According to police, the arrest follows a report from a woman who claims Budna made public online statements about her with the intent to cause emotional distress. Shortly after that report, another individual came forward, accusing Budna of spreading misinformation online, allegedly with the intent to subject someone else to public ridicule. Budna, for his part, says he’s no stranger to filing reports himself. He claims he has made several complaints to the police about others, which, he says, have not been acted upon. We reached out to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith for more details on the case. While police continue their investigation, the incident has initiated a wider conversation about the boundaries of online speech and the responsibilities that come with a public platform.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“On Friday thirtieth, May 2025. Police formerly arrested and charge Joseph Bunda of Trial Farm Village for two counts of using a computer system to publish computer data to cause a person substantial emotional distress, and one count of using a computer system to disseminate a false information, a false statement with the intent to cause another person to be the subject of public ridicule. This arrest and charge was as a consequence of a report made by a female in relation to several postings of Mr. Budna. In relation to Mr. Budna’s report, police have commenced an investigation and they’re in the process of regarding statements as it relates to the allegations that have been made by Mr. Budna.”

Bee Attack Exposes Gaps in Bee Emergency Response

A terrifying bee attack in Belize City has left one family shaken and six of their dogs dead. It happened Saturday morning on Sixth Street, where Steve Mahler and his family live. Mahler was jolted awake by a distress call from one of his employees, and what followed was chaos. A swarm of aggressive bees had taken over the area, and the family’s desperate attempts to get help revealed a troubling reality: no emergency agency was able to respond in time. Their calls for assistance went unanswered. The source of the swarm? A massive hive hidden inside the walls of a nearby abandoned building. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

These empty dog bowls now sit as heartbreaking reminders of what was lost. For Steve Mahler and his wife, they’re more than just feeding dishes, they’re symbols of the pain and emptiness left behind after a horrific bee attack claimed the lives of their six beloved dogs on Saturday morning. Mahler shared the emotional story of that terrifying moment, one that has left his family shaken and searching for answers.

Steve Mahler, Belize City Resident

“While I was asleep the young man that work with me came to work and discovered what was happening. He gave me a call and panicked. He told me there is a lot of killer bees out here and all the dogs are dead. I asked how could that be? He said yes the dogs are dead. He went to look at the big German Sheppard and he is dead and did not hear the other ones and the bees attacked him also.”

A swarm of bees recently caused quite a buzz after emerging from an old, abandoned wooden house nearby. It turns out the bees had made themselves at home, building a hive inside the walls of the structure. Concerned, Mahler reached out to the Belize Agricultural Health Authority for help. They pointed him to the Ministry of Agriculture. But when he contacted the ministry, he was told no one could assist—everyone was tied up with the National Agriculture and Trade Show happening in Belmopan.

Steven Mahler

“All the dogs deh dead A guy had two horses. One of them was hurt bad. I don’t know if it survived. But he managed to get one out. People had other dogs and things that were killed in the area. But everybody told me they cant do nothing, agriculture cant do nothing, BAHA cant do nothing because everybody deh dah showground. I said that I don’t find that correct. You all didn’t leave anybody in Belize City or nowhere as an emergency team. I said, suppose children get killed in this area. There is nobody around that could do anything.”

With no help from government agencies, Mahler turned to a private company, Orellana Bee Rescuing Service. Ironically, they too were busy at the annual fair in Belmopan. But unlike the public offices, the company had a backup team ready. That team quickly responded to Mahler’s call for help.

On the Phone: Fernando Orellano, Owner, Orellana Bee Rescuing Service

“On this case that we went with Mr. Mahler it was an emergency case and we had to move as fast as possible. We get there, secured the area and we started to open and dropped the walls on the house and it was large hive that was on the wall and we tried to move as fast as possible to remove it so there is no damage around.”

Steven Mahler

“So I got in touch with the Mayor and I must say, he stepped on it right away. And he told me let him talk to the exterminator and he did and they made arrangements. The guy came and sent his team in.”

Orellana says he has received more calls for bee emergencies this year than last year. He also explained that the hives he has uncovered this year are much larger than previous years. But what causes these animals to get in defense mode.

On the Phone: Fernando Orellano

“When we get into this season the bees start to bring in a lot of pollen and nectar into the hive so it helps the queen to increase the population. The population can get to eighty thousand bees. When their population is super large their hives get big and any type of noise or something they can feel threatened, sometimes spray, hair spray, fish or bug spray. That irritates them and they get irritated for them and aggressive for us.”

Mahler says his yard just doesn’t feel the same without his beloved pets. The loss of all six in such a tragic way has left a painful void. The bee attack didn’t stop there, it also targeted workers on a nearby property, adding to the chaos and concern.

Steven Mahler

“So all like yesterday was horrible when I went down and the whole year quiet, you couldn’t hear nothing at all.”

BAHA’s Managing Director, Zoe Robinson-Zetina reached out to News Five to explain that when she received Mahler’s call, she informed him that they are not equipped to respond to bee emergencies. BAHA then relayed the information to the Ministry of Agriculture. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

TTCU Contained Fraud, Assures Members’ Safety

Toledo Teachers Credit Union is reassuring members tonight after uncovering fraudulent activity at its Bella Vista Branch. The credit union says the issue was quickly contained, and no member accounts or personal information were compromised. TTCU launched an internal investigation, brought in outside experts, and is working closely with law enforcement and the Central Bank of Belize. A full audit has been completed, and new security measures are now in place, including enhanced monitoring and a forensic review of all transactions. Affected members have been notified, and the credit union is offering free account statements to help everyone keep an eye on their finances. TTCU says it remains committed to transparency and is taking every step to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Members are encouraged to report any unusual activity to their local branch.

Gun Board Fires Back at Criticism, Defends Reforms as Safety-Driven

The Firearms and Ammunition Control Board is pushing back against recent criticism from a local gun dealer, saying its reforms are about safety, not red tape. Abner Murillo, owner of Lock N’ Loaded, claims the firearm licensing process has become overly complicated and unfair to law-abiding citizens like farmers and business owners. He also raised concerns about poor communication and alleged new ID requirements. But the FACB says that’s simply not true. In a statement, the Board clarified that only one form of government-issued ID is required—and that hasn’t changed. They also emphasized that their reforms are designed to strengthen oversight, reduce loopholes, and align Belize with international security standards. The board acknowledged the challenges faced by rural applicants and says it’s working to improve access and reduce delays. It also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize firearm regulation, including a national registry, safety training programs, and support from international partners like the UN and the U.S. State Department. As for Mr. Murillo’s legal action against the board, the FACB says it won’t comment while the case is before the courts. In the meantime, the board says it welcomes feedback but won’t compromise national security for convenience.

No Sugar Needed to Quench Your Thirst

Belmopan was alive with energy this weekend as thousands flocked to the capital for the much-anticipated National Agriculture and Trade Show. The three-day event, held under the blazing sun at the agriculture showgrounds, brought together vendors from all over the country to showcase and sell their goods. News Five’s Britney Gordon was on the ground Sunday to check out what this year’s fair had in store.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

The National Agriculture and Trade Show is easily one of the biggest events on Belize’s calendar, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year, and this year was no exception. Even on the final day, the showground was packed with people exploring the many stalls and attractions. Among the newcomers this year was The Market Smoothie Bar, run by a husband-and-wife team making their debut at the event. With the scorching heat bearing down, their cool, refreshing drinks were a welcome treat for thirsty fairgoers. Co-owner Patrick Abrahams even revealed the secret behind their crowd-pleasing smoothies, though he kept just enough mystery to leave people wanting more.

Patrick Abrahams, Co-owner, The Market Smoothie Bar

“God is great. Natural. Natural is best. Right? So the fruits speak for themself. It’s really just the fruits that do it and how we make it,and the amount of fruit that we use. We don’t use a lot of ice. We use majority fruit, and that’s where the sweetness comes from.”

Since 2021, The Market Smoothie Bar has been serving up fruity blends packed with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and absolutely no added sugar. Co-owner Tanis Abrahams says their drinks are made for everyone to enjoy, but they’re especially proud to offer healthier options for Belizeans who are watching their sugar intake, including those living with diabetes.

Tanis Abrahams, Co-owner, The Market Smoothie Bar

“A lot of the customers that come by, are actually appreciative of it because they can trust us. We’re very transparent with our customers because, if you look at our menu, everything is listed. So in case you’re insensitive or allergic to anything. Or if you want to take something out or custom make a smoothie that we can do that for you.”

As the sun blazed overhead, many visitors were in search of a drink that would help them beat the heat and quench their thirst. That’s where The Market Smoothie bar stepped in. One customer was thrilled to find something both lactose and sugar-free on sale.

Yvonne Cole, Customer

“ Very nice, very smooth.”

Britney Gordon

“It’s not, um, too bitter or too sour?”

Yvonne Cole

“No, no, no, it’s not, it’s not sour at all. It’s quite sweet, but I know there’s no sugar in it.”

Britney Gordon

“So what made you decide to come and try out this place in specific? There’s a lot of places offering drinks right now.”

Yvonne Cole

“I’m lactose intolerance, so I can’t take milk and everything else has milk.But this is here just fruit juice and, you know, no sugar.”

The Market Smoothie Bar also offers paletas, which include ingredients like locally sourced coconut yogurt. This is part of the company’s goal to remain sustainable and supportive of the local fruit producers.

Tanis Abrahams

“We partner with a lot of local farmers, and we also like transparency from them as well. Sometimes we actually go to their farms. We do a lot of composting as well. So we ask them we believe in composting, so we ask them if they’ll just take the waste and do composting. So we form a very great relationship with the local farmers here. Not only Belmopan, but around Belize as well.”

While the business is still small, the Abrahams hope that its impact will be large and help push Belize towards a healthier tomorrow. Britney Gordon for News Five.

The Market Smoothie Bar can be found in Old Belize on the George Price Highway and in the Fresh Garden Produce Market In Belmopan.

Belmopan Comes Alive for Kings/Ballers Rematch

Good evening and welcome to this week’s edition of Sports Monday. I am Paul Lopez here with highlights from this weekend’s sports showdowns. We begin with the game of the week in the Belize Elite Basketball League. The Capital City Kings hosted the Cayo Dream Ballers for a rematch, after the Kings fell to Ballers’ home court advantage two weeks ago.

Four minutes into the first quarter, Jaylen Lopez comes up with the steal and passes it off to Brandon “Puddy” Flowers, giving the Kings an early seven-point lead. Flowers went on to score eighteen points for the Kings in thirty-one minutes of playtime. Jaheim Ciego barrel barreling through bodies and getting to the rim to end the first quarter drought for Ballers. He was two of ten from the field on Friday night. An assist under the rim from Arik Nicholson to Kerwin Palacio for the jam! Palacio again, this time off the rebound from an Aaron Allison missed layup. By the end of the first, Cayo Western Ballers had cut the King’s lead to three points. Ballaz’s Anthony Howell tied the game at nineteen a piece, early in the second quarter, with a pair of free throws.

Capital City Kings then went on a nine to two points run. Jamal Harris caught Nicholson sleeping on defense late in the second quarter and made him pay with a three point-shot. Kings thirty-one, Ballers twenty-four. Nicholson, immediately after, on the other end with the And-one. The first half finished with Kings still in the lead, thirty-five to thirty-one points. Now in the third quarter, King in possession and Jevaughn Mckenzie with the long range three pointer. Western Ballers’ Dennis Flowers at the seventh minute, cuts the lead down to two from the three-point line. Flowers again at the fifth minute, this time tying the game at forty-five a piece. He is looking for the foul.

Just over a minute later, he nailed a next three point shot from the corner to give the Western Ballers their first lead of the game. Flowers finished with twenty-eight points, with an impressive six of eight three-point shots made. He also had eight rebounds. The Cayo Western Ballers kept extending their lead in the fourth quarter and took it to as much as eleven points. There was a part of the game late in the fourth where the Capital City Kings brought that lead down to five points. But Flowers dished out the final blow only moments later by forcing the turnover and making good on an open opportunity from the three-point line. The match finished with a score of eighty to seventy points in favor of Cayo Western Ballers. Up north, the Corozal Cerros Suns stunned basketball fans when they defeated the Belize City Thunderbolts in a Saturday night match that ended sixty-seven to sixty-five.

On Saturday, the under-fifteen females participating in the Anthony Mahler Youth Football tournament faced off for their championship games. KP Strikers took on Goal Getters in the match for bronze. A throw in towards goal for Goal Getters six minutes into the game led to a penalty kick after a KP Strikers’ player touched the ball inside the penalty box. That is one goal for Goal Getters. A foul and a spot kick in favor of KP Strikers equalized the match at one goal apiece. This match ended in a penalty shootout. After five kicks from each team, KP Strikers came out on top and secured the season’s bronze medal.

In the championship game, Royal Fusion took on Alvian Strikers. Regulation time saw both teams score two goals each. This resulted, once again, in a penalty shootout to determine the winner. Royal Fusion missed their first and fourth attempts. Alvian Strikers were on target for every shot. The Alvian Strikers are your 2025 Under Fifteen Female Football Champions in this tournament. Well folks that is all we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. Catch you in the next one.

Health Ministry Warns Against ‘Royal Honey’ Supplement

The Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) is warning the public against purchasing or consuming a product labeled “Royal Honey,” which is being sold as a sexual enhancement supplement.

This alert comes after health authorities in the United States and Costa Rica conducted laboratory tests confirming that Royal Honey contains undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. These hidden substances pose significant health risks, particularly to individuals with existing medical conditions or those taking prescription medication.

Despite being falsely advertised as a “natural” remedy, the product is mainly distributed through online platforms and informal vendors, raising serious safety concerns.

Consumers are strongly discouraged from buying supplements or medications through social media, street vendors, or unregulated sellers, as such products may be unsafe or counterfeit.

Members of the public who have purchased or encountered Royal Honey or any other questionable health products are encouraged to report them to the Ministry via email at drugalert@health.gov.bz or by calling +501-880-2363.