Man Charged in Independence Village Mass Shooting

Police have arrested and charged 21-year-old Santos Absolom Chirinos in connection with the New Year’s Eve murder of 39-year-old Keith Neal in Independence Village. Chirinos, a Belizean construction worker from Bella Vista Village, was charged on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, with murder and escape from lawful custody.

The killing occurred at the Feel Good Restaurant and Bar late on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, where residents had gathered to ring in the New Year. Police said a gunman arrived on a motorcycle and fired at a specific target before fleeing, leaving six others injured. Authorities described the shooting as one of the worst mass shootings in Belize’s history.

The intended target ran through the crowd, but several bystanders were struck. One survivor told News Five he initially thought the gunfire was firecrackers and only realized he had been shot when he saw blood.

Keith Neal later died after being transferred from the Southern Regional Hospital to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. His sister, Shannon Neal, said he was humble, devoted to his family, and that the family now seeks justice.

Police said they recovered surveillance footage, identified a possible motive, and were seeking two other persons in connection with the investigation.