Three Murders in 24 Hours Leave Belize City on Edge
Three murders in just twenty-four hours, all concentrated in the same part of Belize City. The latest victim is twenty-seven-year-old Jori Bowden, who was gunned down while sitting on the verandah of a house along Central American Boulevard on Friday night. Police say a lone gunman jumped over a fence, fired several shots and fled toward Antelope Street. Bowden was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, but died on arrival. His killing capped a deadly twenty-four-hour stretch that has investigators searching for possible connections and residents questioning what is driving the sudden burst of violence. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero says investigators are now pursuing one suspect.
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
“On Friday the ninth day of October 2026, police responded to a shooting incident on central American Boulevard. Upon their arrival they learned that a male person had been shot and taken for treatment. Police visited the KHMH where they identified the male person as Jory Bowden of Belize City. Information is that Jory Bowden was at a yard sitting down when a male person jumped a fence and fired several shots towards his direction causing his fatal injuries. We are seeking one suspect in regard to this murder.”
Reporter
“Any motivation?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Rivalry that these persons have in that area at this time.”
Shane Williams
“Is it connected to the previous murder.”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“We cannot confirm if it is connected but follow up work is being done to try and determine that.”
Shane Williams
“What is police doing to prevent further shootings in this area?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Again, we continue with our operations. We have several persons in custody as we continue the investigation.”
Twenty-year-old Shamar Smith was shot and killed just across the street from Bowden’s house on Pelican street the night before.
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