Un trágico asesinato ocurrió la noche del viernes en la aldea de Camalote, cuando Travis Swift, un joven de 21 años, fue abatido a tiros dentro de la habitación de su madre. El crimen tuvo lugar poco después de que Swift regresara a casa de una tienda cercana.
Según las autoridades, un hombre armado disparó a través de la ventana del dormitorio, acabando con la vida de Swift al pie de la cama. En el interior de la casa solo estaban Swift y su hermano menor, quien intentó intervenir durante el ataque. A pesar de que el agresor también disparó contra el niño, este resultó ileso.
“Mi hijo menor estaba sentado en el pasillo cuando escuchó a su hermano pidiendo ayuda. Al principio, pensó que eran solo ruidos, pero cuando su hermano volvió a gritar, corrió hacia la habitación y también le dispararon. Mi hijo dijo que no tenía miedo; él solo quería ayudar a su hermano. Dispararon varias veces contra mi otro hijo, pero, afortunadamente, no alcanzaron al menor”, relató Rosita Orellana, madre del fallecido.
La policía informó que se recuperaron al menos treinta casquillos del lugar del crimen. La oficial de personal, ASP Stacy Smith, confirmó que el atacante abrió fuego múltiples veces contra Swift dentro de la residencia.
“Poco después de su regreso, se cree que un individuo desconocido entró en la residencia y disparó múltiples veces, hiriendo mortalmente a Swift. Las autoridades buscan a dos hombres que podrían ayudar con la investigación. Hasta el momento no se ha determinado el motivo”, declaró Smith.
Las investigaciones preliminares apuntan a que el ataque fue intencional y dirigido específicamente a Swift. La policía ha identificado a dos sospechosos, ambos residentes de la misma comunidad.
Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, Kareem Musa, is in Lima, Peru, representing Belize at a major regional meeting focused on fighting organized crime.
The event, part of the EL PACCTO 2.0 Programme, brings together officials from the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Running from June 16–19, the meeting centers on justice and security cooperation under the theme “A Partnership that Protects.”
Speaking on a panel about new approaches to crime, Minister Musa stressed the need for adaptable policies in the face of evolving threats. He highlighted Belize’s crime-fighting strategies, including a multi-agency approach, youth rehabilitation programs, and skills training.
The meeting also helps prepare for the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit later this year, where regional security partnerships will be further discussed.
A desperate search is underway for 13-year-old Lizzie Suntecum, a primary school student who vanished under mysterious circumstances on Monday afternoon.
Lizzie, a student at San Jose Roman Catholic School, reportedly failed to return to class after the school’s lunch break. According to family members, Lizzie lives with her mother and two younger siblings in Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, and crosses the western border daily to attend school in Succotz. Their father, who lives in Belize, facilitates the children’s daily border crossing and school commute.
The school became concerned when Lizzie was absent from her 1:00 p.m. class. Staff contacted both parents, but neither was aware of her whereabouts. Lizzie’s grandmother, Oralia Rosado, said the family is distraught and confused.
“My son always takes them to school and picks them up. They don’t leave the school during the day because they’re part of the feeding program,” Rosado explained.
“The principal said Lizzie had told another student that her aunt would be picking her up at 12:45, but when they checked, no aunt ever came and she doesn’t have an aunt in Belize.”
Rosado confirmed that Lizzie only has one aunt who lives in the country, and that relative denied knowing anything about the disappearance. The child was last seen by a fellow student who claimed Lizzie said her aunt would be collecting her shortly after lunch. However, surveillance footage from the school reportedly does not show her leaving the premises.
For many women in Belize battling cancer, the journey can feel isolating and overwhelming. Now, a new support group launched by the Belize Cancer Society is offering hope, connection, and strength through shared experience.
The HOPE Support Group, officially launched last Thursday on June 12. In the Society’s announcement statement, it said it brings together women affected by cancer to support one another emotionally, psychologically, and socially. The group aims to create a safe and empowering space where no woman has to face cancer alone.
“I stand beside an incredible group of women who have shown strength, grace, and resilience. Together, we are building a sisterhood where we can find comfort, encouragement, and hope,” said Andre Eiley, the Chair of the Support group.
The other two founding members are Vice Chair Ms Janine Cattouse and Second Vice Chair Ms Barbara Antonio.
“We are not only supporting these women, but they are also supporting each other—they are lighting the way for many others to follow,” said the President of the Belize Cancer Society, Kim Simplis.
As sargassum continues to wash ashore in San Pedro, the Town Council has adopted a direct, boots-on-the-ground strategy to manage the annual influx of the invasive seaweed. With heavy machinery proving too costly and often inefficient, this year’s focus is on swift manual removal, shovels, wheelbarrows, and all.
The unsightly brown algae, which blankets the beaches and emits a foul odour as it decomposes, has long been a source of frustration for both residents and tourists. But with the situation worsening, the council is zeroing in on fast response and targeted efforts.
Biodiversity scientist Valentine Rosado, who has been advising the council, says the key is speed and strategy.
“The main strategy is getting sargassum out of the water as quickly as possible,” Rosado explained. “Manual removal may seem tedious, but it’s cheaper and, if done early, much more effective. Once it starts piling up and sits for days, that’s when it begins to smell and becomes overwhelming.”
The cleanup campaign is not without its toll. Workers are facing fatigue, backaches, and other physical strain after weeks on the job; many have been at it since February.
According to Rosado, forecasts suggest the influx may continue through the summer, extending the workload significantly.
Meanwhile, the Town Council, in collaboration with the national Sargassum Task Force, is exploring environmentally responsible ways to repurpose the collected seaweed. Traditionally, sargassum has been used to fill low-lying areas. While there are concerns about potential heavy metal contamination, Rosado said that, for now, the strategy is considered safe in non-agricultural zones.
“We’re also monitoring the deposition sites closely, both in the short term and long term, to track any potential health impacts,” he added.
San Pedranos are celebrating their very own Faith Edgar for securing the Miss World Belize 2025 crown at the national pageant held on Saturday. The 24-year-old dental student and former Miss San Pedro 2022 will represent Belize at the 73rd Miss World Pageant in 2026.
Edgar is a passionate advocate for dental health care. Her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project, “Smiles for Belize”, focuses on raising awareness, promoting preventive care, and expanding access to dental services in underserved communities across the country.
In a social media post following her win, Edgar stated, “Being crowned Miss World Belize 2025 is not just a title. It is a responsibility, a dream realised, and a tribute to every person who believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself.”
The ILS Phoenix Corporation, organisers of the pageant, praised Edgar’s performance, stating, “We are confident that she will represent Belize on the world stage with strength, poise, and a commitment to her Beauty With a Purpose project.”
Edgar is also a volleyball athlete and competitive sailor, known for her determination and compassion.
The UK is deploying jets and other military assets to the Middle East, the Prime Minister of the UK, Sir Keir Starmer, confirmed during the G7 summit currently taking place in Canada.
Starmer stated that the additional Typhoon fighters and air-to-air refuelling aircraft were being sent “for contingency support across the region.” He refused to rule out British military involvement, adding, “I will always make the right decisions for the UK.”
Starmer’s move follows a deadly exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran on a fifth day of conflict. According to CNN, in Iran, at least 224 people have been killed since hostilities began. Meanwhile in Israel, 24 people have been killed.
Tehran has warned the UK, US and France that their military assets in the region could be targeted if they support Israel.
BBC reported that Starmer’s repeated the UK’s central message, stating, “Our constant message is de-escalate.”
Tropical Storm Erick, the fifth named storm of the 2025 Pacific hurricane season, is gaining strength and is forecast to rapidly intensify into a powerful hurricane as it approaches the southern coast of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued Hurricane Warnings Tuesday morning for portions of Oaxaca, as the system moves west-northwest at 9 mph.
As of 9:00 a.m. CST, Erick was located about 285 miles southeast of Puerto Angel, Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and a minimum central pressure of 1,003 millibars. Forecasters expect the storm to strengthen significantly over the next 24 to 48 hours, potentially reaching Category 2 strength by the time it nears landfall late Wednesday or early Thursday.
A Hurricane Warning is now in effect from Puerto Angel to Punta Maldonado. A Hurricane Watch extends westward to Acapulco and eastward to Bahias de Huatulco, while a Tropical Storm Warning has been issued east of Puerto Angel to Salina Cruz.
Erick is forecast to deliver torrential rainfall across southern Mexico, with 8 to 16 inches expected in Oaxaca and Guerrero, and localized amounts of up to 20 inches. These rains are likely to cause life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, especially in mountainous regions. Additional rain impacts are anticipated in Chiapas, Michoacan, Colima, and Jalisco.
Coastal residents should also prepare for dangerous storm surge, destructive waves, and rip currents, which are expected to begin affecting the shoreline within the next 24 hours.
Just before a weekend meant for honoring fathers, a heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the quiet San Mateo neighborhood in San Pedro. Rubio Salazar, a familiar face on the island, was killed in a shocking altercation, allegedly at the hands of his own son. What should have been a time for family and celebration has instead turned into a time of mourning and disbelief. The incident has left a family shattered and a community searching for answers. Tonight, we take a closer look at what led to this devastating turn of events. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.
Rubio Salazar
Britney Gordon, Reporting
For one San Pedro family, this Father’s Day brought heartbreak instead of celebration. Fifty-nine-year-old Rubio Salazar lost his life in a violent altercation with his own son. Police say the argument between Rubio and thirty-nine-year-old Daniel Salazar turned deadly after a blow to the head escalated the situation.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Police are investigating the death of fifty-nine-year-old Rubio Salazar of the San Mateo area, San Pedro, which occurred on June fourteenth, 2025, at approximately 3:30 P.M. The investigation revealed that Rubio Salazar and his son Daniel Salazar got into an altercation with each other, where it is alleged that Rubio struck Daniel with a stick, and Daniel inflicted a chop wound in the upper part of Rubio’s body, fatally wounding him. Daniel Salazar was detained, and it was observed that he had a wound to the temple for which he sought medical attention.”
Neighbors say the argument may have started over the family dogs, one belonging to Daniel Salazar at the front of the yard, and the other, known to be aggressive, belonging to his father at the back. They believe tensions over the dogs may have sparked the deadly confrontation. Meanwhile, Daniel’s mother, Erminia Muschamp, is still in shock. She says she never saw her son as a violent person and is struggling to come to terms with what happened.
Erminia Muschamp
Erminia Muschamp, Mother of Daniel Salazar
“I couldn’t believe it; I was surprised. Daniel is not that kind of person. He’s not a violent person; I can’t even explain. He is a calm person, a responsible person, and a mannered person. He’s not a drunkard, like, going to drink outside or socialize with people like that. He was the best son I ever have.”
Muschamp says her son isn’t a violent person and believes he may have been pushed to his breaking point. She claims her former husband, Rubio, had a history of aggression, and suggests that Daniel may have been triggered during the heated exchange that turned deadly.
Erminia Muschamp
“With me living with him, I know he was that person that used to hit me, used to be violent with me. But with kids, like with the years that passed, I can’t say about that. I don’t really know what kind of person he’d become after. When you’re living with somebody and then separate, it’s two different things. I can’t really say anything about Rubio’s life now.”
Police are yet to determine if self-defense can be applied to this incident.
Daniel Salazar
ASP Stacy Smith
“Self-defence certainly arises on the facts; however, for self-defence to be successfully sustained, proportionality is the question. The office of the director of public prosecution will give directions as to what charges are to be levied under the circumstances. I can confirm that samples were taken from persons present and statements were recorded.”
Daniel Salazar
The tragic death left a lasting impact on the entire family as they grieve the loss of Rubio and process the actions of Daniel Salazar. Erminia is hoping that no matter what the outcome, justice will prevail, and her family can overcome their heartbreak.
Erminia Muschamp
“I trust in God, and I believe in God. I pray for the best for my son because he has a daughter that will be graduating on Wednesday, and that’s what he says, ‘Mom, my daughter, my daughter.’ I said, ‘Son, just have to wait and wait for the best and hope that justice will be served,’ and I said, you know, something triggered Daniel to react like that, and he told me he was hit twice before I react and he was tired; he just came in from work maybe like 5 or 10 minutes before, according to what I understand. And you know in this sun hot coming in from work tired, and someone attacks you, you don’t think; you just react.”
At this time, the family remains torn and confused, but is leaning on each other for support as they grapple with the reality of the situation. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Police have no records of prior altercations between Daniel and Rubio Salazar.
A peaceful night in Camalote Village was shattered by gunfire on Friday, leaving a family devastated and a community in shock. Twenty-one-year-old Travis Swift was gunned down inside his mother’s bedroom, his life cut short in a hail of bullets. Over two dozen shell casings were recovered from the scene, and the bedroom wall still bears the scars of the violence. Police say Swift was the intended target. But the big question tonight is—why? Described by many as peaceful and well-mannered, Travis is now the second son Rosita Orellana has lost to gun violence in just seven years. It’s a heartbreaking story of loss, fear, and unanswered questions. Paul Lopez has more from Camalote.
Travis Swift
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Just minutes after twenty-one-year-old Travis Swift arrived home in Camalote Village, a gunman opened fire through a bedroom window. Swift was shot and killed at the foot of his mother’s bed. At the time, only he and his younger brother were home. Their mother, Rosita Orellana, was out that Friday night.
Rosita Orellana
Rosita Orellana, Mother of Deceased
“And that is where they killed him in my room.”
In a terrifying moment that could have claimed two lives, Travis Swift’s younger brother tried to intervene as gunshots rang out inside their home. But the gunman wasn’t done, he turned his weapon on the young boy. Miraculously, Swift’s brother escaped without injury.
Rosita Orellana
“The younger brother was sitting in the hall, he shouted for him. But my younger son thought it was pop shots. When he shouted for my son, he went in the room and they shot at him too. My son said he was not afraid, he was there to help his brother. They shot so many shots at my other son. But they did not my other son.”
Rosita Orellana says the scene inside her home was like something out of a war zone. Investigators counted up to thirty spent shells scattered across the bedroom floor. The glass windows were shattered. The frame was riddled with bullet holes. And the wall directly across from the window? It’s peppered with marks from the barrage of gunfire. Police say Travis Swift had just come back from a quick run to a nearby store when the gunman struck. He barely had time to settle in before his life was taken in a hail of bullets.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“And shortly after he returned, it is believed that an unknown individual entered the residence and fired multiple shots fatally injuring Swift. Police are currently seeking two male persons who they believe can assist with this investigation.”
Reporter
“Any motive?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“No motive has been ascertained so far.”
Reporter
“Is he known to the police?”
Oswald Arnold
ASP Stacy Smith
“He is not known to the police.”
Investigators have identified two suspects, both from Camalote Village, and confirmed that Swift was the intended target. For his mother, Rosita Orellana, the pain is all too familiar. In 2018, she lost another son, twenty-two-year-old Oswald Arnold, whose body was found along the Belize River after he’d been missing for six months. Today, an urn with Oswald’s ashes sits in the family’s dining room, a heartbreaking reminder of the violence that’s struck her family twice.
Rosita Orellana
“I lose a son, seven years ago, and still no justice. I would want justice for Travis because he really did not deserve it. Why they target Travis, only God knows. Only God knows, because he is not someone that give trouble. Whosoever, if it is one or two, we are not sure. We don’t know what side they came from and what is the reason they did this and why they chance Travis out of his life, why. You all are some cowards, because you did not have to do my son that. And I the ask unu the question, why Travis out of all people that did not bother anybody.”
Travis Swift graduated from the Baptist High School two years ago. Up to the time of his death he assisted his mother in operating a small business she runs. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.
