Belize Records 91 Murders in 2025, Police Address Violence Surge

Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado says Belize saw little change in the murder count last year compared to 2024. Ninety-one murders were recorded in 2025, just one less than the previous year, with October alone accounting for eleven of those cases. Today, Rosado outlined what police are doing to tackle the recent surge in violence that has Belizeans concerned.

 

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police

“We are one less than 2024, we are ninety-one compared to ninety-two in 2024, so it’s a reduction of approximately one point one percent. In the month of October   there were only eleven murders that were recorded. We could recall at least fifteen.”

 

Reporter

“Do you know if the arson of Angelita Magana and her kids was that pointed as murder?”

 

Dr. Richard Rosado

“I am confident that they were, I’m confident.”

 

Reporter

“So in terms of the numbers, would there be a reason why they don’t align?”

 

Dr. Richard Rosado

“Essentially because we do get the police reports as well, so when we count them, we have at least fifteen, but there are only eleven that we’re recording. Our statistics is showing that there is eleven murder for the month, and our statistics is based on what the investigators have uncovered and whe and whether it is far within the definition of murder.”

 

Reporter

“So we know that the year ended with an explosion of violence, including starting with violence. And so what can you say to the public, especially in the south, they had a mass shooting.”

 

Dr. Richard Rosado

“I understand the fear. I understand what the public is going through and we are doing all that is possible, including our lawful tools, proven policing strategies, and strategic partnership to address any violence that occur. I also would like to highlight that we’re leveraging technology to assist us in crime prevention in improving our investigative capacity, and also in ensuring that we create safer community.”