Ladyville Man Charged Nearly Three Years After Murder

Police have formally charged John Quilter in connection with the 2023 murder of 21-year-old James Kelvin Bainton.

Acting on the advice of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Officer Orlando Bowen obtained a warrant and arrested John Carlos Quilter, 24, of Parakeet Street, Ladyville. The arrest comes nearly two years and eight months after the killing.

Bainton, a Belizean labourer of Perez Road, Ladyville, was fatally shot on May 4, 2023, while attending a football game at the Ladyville Sports Complex. An altercation broke out between Bainton, his older brother, and a group of men. As Bainton attempted to leave, a gunman fired a single shot that struck him in the back. He was rushed to the B.D.F. Medical Facility but was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on May 5.

Police say Quilter was cautioned upon arrest and informed of his constitutional rights. He requested a phone call, which was granted.