Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

He was Shot Multiple Times

Police have confirmed the death of 20-year-old Joshua James Maurice Hall. According to police, Joshua’s body was found behind Dominguez Layout, Corozal Town, with multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim had been missing since December 23, when he signed in at the Corozal Police Station as part of his bail conditions. Despite extensive searches and a $5,000 reward offered by his family, no leads had been found until his body was located.

Earlier today, his sister, Aiyana Hall, mourned his death on Facebook, saying, “Rest, my love. I love you forever.” A few hours later, Aiyana confirmed in a separate post, “My brother has been found deceased.”

San Pedro Lions Club Organises Donation Drive for Fire Victims

The San Pedro Lions Club is organising a donation drive to assist 12 families that were left homeless after a fire early Sunday morning in San Pedro Town. The fire destroyed two apartment buildings and a garage on Sea Star Street.

In a Facebook post, the Lions Club urged community support, stating, “The San Pedro Lions Club is organising a donation drive to help the 12 families affected by the recent fire… Household items can be dropped off, but only clothes in good condition and good items will be accepted. Monetary donations will also be accepted.”

As previously reported, police rescued four children trapped inside while firefighters battled the flames. No injuries were reported.

Resident Fermin Witzil, 40, claimed that Angela Tun, a Belizean-Mexican national, had previously threatened harm. Tun is now a person of interest in the investigation.

The fire also damaged an SUV and motorcycle parked near the buildings.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Woman Robbed in Broad Daylight in Succotz

A woman was assaulted and robbed by two men on a black motorcycle in broad daylight while leaving work in Succotz on Saturday evening, December 28, around 4:30 p.m. In a social media post, 42-year-old Vania Garcia, the victim, said, “I was assaulted and robbed yesterday coming out from work in broad daylight at around 4:30 pm in Succotz.”

According to reports, the passenger brandished a knife as he approached Garcia, resulting in cuts to her arm and back. In her statement, she added that while her injuries were minor, she “lost everything! I’m phoneless! You can only reach me through messenger!”

The robbers stole her wallet, cellphone, taser, and other items, valued at BZD 3,370.

Police reviewed local surveillance footage but found no clear leads. Garcia was treated for her injuries and released.

12 Families Homeless After Suspected Arson on La Isla Bonita

A fire early Sunday morning on Sea Star Street, San Pedro Town, destroyed two apartment buildings and a garage and left 12 families homeless.

The fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. and quickly engulfed the buildings. Police reportedly rushed into the burning building to rescue four sleeping children while firefighters battled the flames.

No injuries were reported.

According to resident Fermin Witzil, 40, he heard the loud hissing of gas coming from his downstairs room before an explosion occurred. He reported discovering multiple gas tanks with open valves.

Witzil alleged that Angela Tun, a Belizean-Mexican national, had been living in his room for four days and had previously threatened harm. Tun is now a person of interest in the investigation.

The fire also damaged an SUV and motorcycle parked near the buildings.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Placencia Residents Vex as Man Charged with Rape “Free on Bail”

Earlier this month, 34-year-old construction worker Dane Percival Neal was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl.

The Belize Police Department has yet to issue an official police report on this matter.

Meanwhile, Placencia residents have taken to Facebook to express their frustration following reports that Neal is out on bail.

One Facebook user condemned the situation, saying Neal “…he perfectly walked free on bail. Smiling and enjoying his time.” The user added, “Things like this need to be dealt with.”

Earlier this month, another user pointed out the community’s tendency to remain silent, saying, “It takes a village to raise a child, but sometimes the silence of a village hurts a child also.”

A week ago, another local posted on Facebook questioning how anyone accused of such a crime could be granted bail. The user added that it is the parents’ “duty to stand up against this” and that “people should be angry about this.”

Reports indicate that the child and her sibling were removed from their home after social services became involved.

Police Investigate Alleged Break-In at Belize Bank in Caye Caulker

The Belize Police Department confirmed minutes ago that an investigation is ongoing regarding an alleged break-in at the Belize Bank Caye Caulker Branch. Authorities were alerted around 8:00 a.m. on Friday after reports of a break-in at the bank on Chapoose Street.

Initial police investigation revealed that a metal door had been forced open, and two other doors had also been tampered with. No items were reported missing from the premises.

This is a developing story.

Unitedville Chairman in Critical Condition After Accident

The National Association of Village Councils, NAVCO, has called for prayers for Samuel Mendoza, Chairman of Unitedville Village, who is currently in a coma in the ICU after an accident.

NAVCO Belize shared on Facebook that Mendoza “Yesterday, on the line of duty as Chairman, he had an accident while cleaning the water reservoir of the village and is now in a critical condition at KHMH.”

NAVCO Belize urged the community to pray for his recovery, stating, “We ask you all to please pray for him to pull through this and continue serving his people and providing for his family.”

Farmer Dies After Falling from Horse

An elderly man died after he fell from a horse on Friday morning. The deceased has been identified as 79-year-old farmer Ernest Williams Funez.

The incident happened in May Pen Village, Belize District, while he was riding the horse.

According to reports, Funez was riding behind 70-year-old Denton Moody when the fall occurred. Despite efforts to assist him, Funez was unresponsive.

Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found no visible injuries or signs of foul play. Funez was later transported to Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:21 p.m.

Almost $10K in Tools Stolen from Ladyville Worksite

An estimated $9,645 worth of tools and equipment was stolen from a worksite container in Ladyville. Police are investigating a theft, reported on December 27, 2024, that is believed to have occurred between 5 a.m. on December 24 and 7 a.m. on December 27.

The stolen items include two skill saws, three hammer drills, grinders, a jackhammer, an impact drill set, a sledgehammer, a pressure washer, and a generator.

While authorities have visited the scene and gathered evidence, no arrests have been made and no witnesses have come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to report to the police.

Tourist’s Rented SUV Engulfed in Flames

A tourist from Pennsylvania,U.S.A., lost all her belongings when the SUV she had just rented caught fire on Friday afternoon.

Rachel Goldman, 50, had rented a 2013 Ford Escape from AQ Auto Rentals for a 6-day trip. While driving on John Smith Road around midday, she reported noticing smoke coming from the hood. After pulling over, the vehicle reportedly exploded and was quickly engulfed in flames.

Goldman managed to escape but left behind her passport, credit card, iPhone 12, and clothing. The SUV was completely destroyed.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.