Attackers Flee by Boat After Deadly San Pedro Shooting on Sunday Night

A routine Sunday night at a busy San Pedro supermarket ended in bloodshed, heartbreak, and a growing mystery. Gunmen stormed Island Supermarket and opened fire, killing businessman David Harmouch and security guard Daniel Jones, while injuring two other members of the Harmouch family. The attackers reportedly made their escape by boat, leaving police scrambling for answers. Now, with an investigation underway, residents are questioning whether the deadly shooting is linked to an earlier arson attack that targeted the same business. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

A deadly Sunday night attack at Island Supermarket on Ambergris Caye, has claimed the life of businessman, David Harmouch and Security Guard David Jones. This indecent has sent shockwaves through the community, many questioning why anyone would want these individuals dead

 

This morning, Wisszam Harmouch stood behind the counter of his corner store, listening to the Koran on his radio while mourning the loss of his relative, David.

 

Wisszam Harmouch, Relative of Deceased

“I am not sure what happened there. He was shot dead and two other cousins.”

 

Around nine o’clock Sunday night, proprietor Ahmad Harmouch and his relative, Iman Harmouch, re-entered Island Supermarket after stepping outside briefly. Just two minutes later, four armed men appeared at the entrance and opened fire. Ahmad, Ayman, and David Harmouch were all struck by gunfire. Despite efforts to save him, David succumbed to his injuries, turning a routine evening at the business into a deadly tragedy.

 

Wisszam Harmouch

“David has been living here for like twenty-years. He married to one of the San Pedro girls, a grown Belizean. He had like six kids. He was known as a humble guy, so I don’t know what is going on. I don’t know what happened there.”

 

The gunmen’s violence extended beyond their apparent target. As they fled the supermarket, they opened fire on Daniel Jones, a security guard who was widely known and respected in the community. Investigators say bullets ripped through the store’s front door as Jones came under attack, claiming the life of a man many described as a dedicated former educator. His in-law spoke on behalf of the family.

 

Voice of: Relative of Deceased

“I know him about fifteen years ago. He was a good man; husband and he was never a dad. But for my sons he was a dad. He gave everything to my sons. He gave everything to his parents, for his brothers. He was such a good person. I cannot remember anything wrong he did. This touched me and I can’t believe it.”

 

Shock and disbelief have gripped both families. Daniel Jones, a security guard, and David Harmouch, a trusted employee of Ahmad Harmouch. The suspects then fled the scene by a boat that was docked nearby.

 

ACP Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“Thereafter the male persons ran away across the street ad thereafter they boarded a vessel and headed south of the island. We are currently conducting a thorough investigation. We have persons in custody and the investigation continues at this time.”

 

The assailants did not leave with anything from the store. Island Supermarket first opened its doors in December 2025 and only three days later, arsonists set the store on fire. But, the Harmouch family rebounded and reopened the business last Monday, less than seven days before the deadly attack.

 

Reporter

“Do you believe this incident is linked to the arson back in December?”

 

ACP Hilberto Romero

“We don’t know at this time.”

 

Reporter

“Did you manage to get anyone in that case?”

 

ACP Hilberto Romero

“No, our investigation did not reveal evidence to charge anyone at that time.”

 

Members of the Lebanese community told News Five they believe authorities missed warning signs during the arson investigation. Many argue that a more thorough probe could have helped prevent Sunday’s deadly attack. Now, two families are mourning the loss of the men who held their households together.

 

Wisszam Harmouch

“He never talk about any threat and anything and I don’t think if he was threatened he would be working at that store. Like I said, I really don’t know what happened. It’s a shock for everybody.”

 

Voice of: Relative of Deceased

“Like how my son say, my uncle teach me a lot. My uncle was very strict and that is why I amt he boy I am because he taught me that way.”

 

Both Ahmad and Ayman Harmouch were transported to Chetumal, Mexico, for medical treatment, where they remain in stable condition. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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