Police Charge Suspect in ‘Scrubby’ Killing
Police have made an arrest in last Thursday’s broad‑daylight killing of Edward ‘Scrubby’ Saldano Jr., a shooting that sent Belize City on edge. Tonight, investigators say they’ve charged thirty-year-old Paul Sambula with Saldano’s murder. Saldano was gunned down at midday while riding his bicycle near Amara Avenue and Dean Street, the same area where he narrowly escaped gunfire just weeks before. According to police, a lone gunman opened fire, hitting him several times before fleeing. ACP Hilberto Romero says Sambula is expected to be arraigned as the investigation continues.
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crime Investigation Branch
“In reference to the murder of Edward Saldano that occurred on Thursday in Belize City. We have arrested and charge Paul Sambula for the crime of murder.”
Reporter
“Is Sambula known to police?”
ACP Hilberto Romero,
Yes, he’s known.”
Reporter
“Is he known to be gang-related?”
ACP Hilberto Romero,
“Yeah, he’s from that area of Belize City, George Street.”
Britney Gordon
“Do you believe that the murder was gang-related or is it personal issues?”
ACP Hilberto Romero,
“They have internal issues there from that area, and one of them had been threatening the other, and that is what led to the shooting is the gun.”
Britney Gordon
“Is the gun recovered? Are there any gun charges to be leveled as well?”
ACP Hilberto Romero,
“No. The weapon was not recovered.”
Former call center agent Paul Elver Sambula was taken to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court under heavy guard this morning, where he was read a single murder charge. He’s accused of gunning down Saldano on March fifth. Sambula offered no plea and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until May sixth. Investigators say Saldano was riding along Amara Avenue when a gunman confronted him, shot him during a struggle, then stood over him and fired again. He later died at the hospital. The killing happened just days after Saldano appeared in court on an old robbery case for which he’d recently received bail. Tonight, Sambula remains behind bars as police continue the investigation.
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