Byron James’ Family Says His Murder Was ‘Mistaken Identity’

The family of 36-year-old Byron James says they believe he was mistakenly targeted when two masked gunmen entered the yard of his Castle Street home and murdered him late Friday night.

Byron’s sister-in-law, Leah James, said the attack unfolded seconds after he stepped outside for a cigarette. “My mom called me, and she told me Byron got shot. Me and my husband rushed here. I ran all the way in, and I was the one to see his body on the ground,” she said.

Leah said her seven-year-old child inside the home witnessed the gunfire. “My daughter came to the door to close the door because he literally just got up out of his bed to come outside and take his usual cigarette. And as he walked outside, right at this side, my daughter came behind him, and she came to pull this gate. And as she pulled the gate, that’s when the shots fired off. So my 7-year-old daughter was right here at the gate and had to see all of that,” Leah said.

His brother, Nikolai James, said the family saw a different side of Byron. “He changed his life. He listened to me, and he loved all my kids. He was a loving uncle. People know his past, but we know he tried to do better,” he said.

Byron had recently been released from the Belize Central Prison. He was convicted by Supreme Court judge Troadio Gonzalez in 2017 for the 2012 murder of Frank Vasquez. In his ruling, Justice Gonzalez concluded that the evidence against James was overwhelming and that two witnesses for the prosecution had put James on the scene of the murder. His sentencing was deferred for a later court session.

His sentencing court session never took place, and the case dragged on for too long, which led to exceeding the five to six years considered a reasonable timeframe. The court ordered a retrial, but it never took place. The court later issued a stay, which stopped the case entirely. James was released in December 2022.

Police detained one man for questioning. Two nine-millimetre pistols were recovered in the area and labelled as seized property. They will undergo ballistic testing. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith said no motive has been established.