Police Investigate Fatal Shooting of Teen in Punta Gorda

Police in southern Belize are investigating the shooting death of a 17-year-old in Punta Gorda Town on Wednesday evening.

Shortly before 8:00 p.m. officers responded to reports of gunfire in the New Road area of Punta Gorda. At the scene, they found the body of the teenager, a labourer from Stann Creek, with gunshot wounds.

Police also confirmed that 18‑year‑old Darwin Meraz, a local labourer, was injured in the same incident and taken to the Punta Gorda Community Hospital for treatment.

Investigators say the two young men were walking along Cero Road when an unknown gunman opened fire, killing the 17‑year‑old and injuring Meraz. Police have not yet identified any suspects or determined a motive.

Family members told News Five they are devastated by the loss. The victim’s sister said their mother, a single parent, is struggling to cope. “Right now she is really sad that she lost her son. She feels hurt, because she doesn’t know anything,” she said.

She described her brother as kind and not a troublemaker. “My brother is a nice person, he’s not a trouble person. He’s kind,” she said.