Teen Dead, Officers Questioned, Community Outraged

A tragic night in Caye Caulker has left a family grieving and a community demanding answers. Nineteen-year-old Kevin de Paz, a Belizean-American just days away from beginning his journey with the U.S. Army, was killed in a violent altercation in the heart of the village. What began as a simple outing for food with a friend ended in a deadly confrontation—one that reportedly involved two off-duty police officers. Now, Kevin’s body lies in the KHMH morgue, and serious questions are swirling about what really happened that night—and why. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith shares what police know so far.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“So far what police have learnt is that two off-duty officers were in front of a fast-food establishment when they observed a golf cart with male occupants stopping at their location and one of the male occupants is reported to have shoved an individual was similarly at the fast-food stand. It is reported that the officers intervened in this ongoing altercation and the male persons departed. It is reported and alleged that that golf cart with the male person, along with other male persons, returned to the location shortly thereafter and an altercation ensued between the off-duty officers and the occupants of the golf cart. The altercation resulted in the fatal stabbing of nineteen-year-old Kevin DePaz. The injury to one of the police officers by way of a stab wound and another injury to the other officer, as well as the injury of Canul who is reported to be in a stable condition, and another male person Nishan Allen that was in the group, who is reported to be in a critical condition. The police’s investigation into this matter continues. The commissioner has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to be conducted, both by the Major Crimes Unit of the police department and the Professional Standards Branch. Commissioner Rosado has also reached out to the family of the victim in this incident and is heading out to Caye Caulker in relation to this incident.”