Belmopan Hosts Justice Rally for Slain Dr. Nuan Bonilla

Dozens of Belizeans took to the streets in Belmopan this evening, not just to mourn, but to send a clear message that violence must end. Families, friends, and colleagues gathered for a Rally for Justice, honoring the life of Dr. Nuan Bonilla, the respected physician killed in a bold daylight attack while taking his young daughter to school. With candles lit and his image held high, the crowd transformed grief into a call to action. Voices rose, demanding accountability and safer communities, as speakers urged Belizeans to stand together in the face of fear. In one of the night’s most emotional moments, Bonilla’s wife thanked the public for the overwhelming support, even as she continues to grapple with an unimaginable loss. Tonight, a community united not only in mourning, but in its demand for justice.

 

Wife of Deceased

“Evening everyone. I just want to give thanks to everyone who is here showing support for justice for Dr. Bonilla. This is something that has been really hard. What I just think and make me feel bad is that he just spent most of his life studying. He spent fourteen years in this career of medicine and he just practice almost seven years, he was just starting. Until now know that there was a lot of people that he helped. Their health was on his hands, And I have met lots of people who just tell me, I am alive because of Dr. Bonilla and I can’t believe how this person came and take out his life that way. So I just ask for justice and I think that we will get to know who did that to him. I give thanks to everyone. Thanks for all the support that everyone is giving. Thank you very much.”

 

Police Close in on Suspects in Doctor Bonilla’s Daylight Murder

Police say they’re closing in on answers in the brazen daylight killing of Belmopan internist Dr. Naun Bonilla. Investigators have already identified a vehicle and a person of interest, and they’re now chasing down two possible motives behind the shocking attack. Bonilla was gunned down just after 8:30 Friday morning while driving his young daughter to school near Las Flores Park, a routine trip that turned deadly in seconds. Eyewitnesses say a masked gunman stepped out of a white vehicle and fired more than ten shots. Miraculously, Bonilla’s daughter escaped unharmed, even as the SUV veered off the road into nearby bushes. Authorities say they’re moving with urgency, and Minister of Home Affairs Oscar Mira is assuring residents that every effort is being made to bring those responsible to justice.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“On the last occasion, I advised that there are two motives that are being followed up on, and in the interest of not prejudicing the ongoing investigation, I would not disclose them. But what I will say is that we have made progress in relation to identifying a vehicle and a person of interest, and that matter continues to be pursued and pursued relentlessly.”

 

 

 

 

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs

“I offer my condolences to the family. A doctor who has given his life, who gave his life serving the community in Belmopan. Very unfortunate. I want to say to the residents of Belmopan that we are going to do everything possible to solve this murder that happened.”

 

 

 

 

Britney Gordon

“Are there any leads so far in the investigation?”

 

Oscar Mira

“The investigation is very early, but we have done a lot. And I think that once we have put everything together, there will be a briefing as to what we have gathered so far. But we are getting a lot, and I am very confident that the investigators will do everything possible.”

 

Bonilla’s family and the medical community have demanded swift action from law enforcement in the pursuit of justice.

 

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.

 

Watch the Full Newscast Here: