Brawl - Greater Belize Media

More Questions Arise in the Death of Kevin de Paz

Tonight, there are still more questions than answers surrounding the tragic death of nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz, who lost his life early Monday morning in Caye Caulker. What began as a street brawl has now turned into a deeply troubling case involving off-duty police officers, multiple stab wounds, and a grieving family demanding justice. According to police, De Paz was part of a group involved in a violent altercation on Luciano Reyes Street. Surveillance footage shows the officers stepping in after witnessing a man being knocked unconscious, but what happened next has sparked outrage. Five people were stabbed, including De Paz, who later died from his injuries. The officers claim they acted in self-defense, but the De Paz family isn’t convinced. They’ve now sought legal representation, determined to uncover the full story behind their son’s death. News Five’s Britney Gordon has been following the case closely and brings us the latest from Caye Caulker.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz, who was home for a short visit from the U.S., was killed during a violent brawl around 2:30 a.m., a visit that heartbreakingly became his last. Now, two off-duty police officers are under investigation for his death. They say they stepped in to stop an attack on another man, but things escalated when they were allegedly assaulted by two men arriving on a golf cart. Surveillance footage from a nearby fast-food spot shows De Paz striking one of the men, painting him as the initial aggressor. But what happened next, off-camera, is where the fatal injuries occurred. Assistant Superintendent of Police, Stacy Smith says that the incident is under review.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“As I stated, it’s an investigation that the police is interested in thoroughly investigating. Certainly, when it is incidents that involve police officers, there’s a higher level of scrutiny and there’s certainly an onus on the department to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted to dispel any suggestions of cover or anything in that nature.”

The Commissioner of Police, Dr. Richard Rosado, has assured the public that a full and thorough investigation is underway. But for the De Paz family, the footage raises more questions than answers.

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police

“First if all I want to give my condolences to the family of Kevin de Paz and I want to assure them that the department will deploy and has deployed all investigative resources to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out.”

De Paz was a familiar face on the island and his death triggered a wave of backlash from the community. His family plans to take legal action, maintaining that Kevin was not involved in any lawless activity. While he was seen on social media posing with what appears to be a firearm, he was not known by the community for aggressive behavior. Chair of Caye Caulker, Seleny Villanueva, says that his presence will be missed.

Seleny Villanueva, Chair, Caye Caulker

“Caye Caulker is a very small com community. We all know each other. And it’s just so unfortunate that this incident had to happen. We’re a closely knit community and when it hits one family, it hits everybody. hits everybody,”

Police Commissioner Dr. Richard Rosado confirmed that both sides in the Caye Caulker altercation were armed with knives, and five people, including two officers, were stabbed. However, it’s still unclear if Kevin De Paz was one of those carrying a weapon. While the investigation continues, both officers have been placed on administrative leave.

Dr. Richard Rosado

“The investigation is still at its early stage, but I can confirm that the two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.”

Britney Gordon

“Is that administrative leave with pay?”

Dr. Richard Rosado

“They have been placed on administrative leave according to the policy of the department.”

On Monday night, the island of Caye Caulker came together in a moment of quiet reflection. A candlelight vigil was held in memory of nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz, a young man whose life was cut short far too soon. Friends, family, and community members gathered to honor his memory and offer support to his grieving loved ones. According to Village Chair Seleny Villanueva, the violent incident that led to Kevin’s death came as a shock to the entire community, one that hit even harder when news broke that he hadn’t survived. It was a night filled with emotion, remembrance, and a call for answers.

Seleny Villanueva

“I believe it was about maybe three thirty therapist about when I got a phone call from the nurse find me of an incident. It’s been a long couple of a long month and I wasn’t, I think I was more or less asleep than awake. And I was, a little more than shocked of the news. I can remember saying to her nurse just activate your emergency plan and if there’s anything else you need, let me know how I can help this.”

The two officers involved allege that they acted in self-defense and police are now awaiting directives from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Britney Gordon for News Five.

All other injured parties are reportedly in stable condition.

City Councilor to be Charged for Shisha Bar Fight

On Friday night, a video of a fight outside Shisha Nightclub started making the rounds on social media. In the video, City Councilor Evan Thompson is seen as one of the men involved in the brawl. After the incident, Thompson released a statement saying he wasn’t the aggressor and acted in self-defense. He apologized, saying, “I sincerely apologize if this incident has been perceived negatively. It is in no way a reflection of the Belize City Council or the People’s United Party, both of which I proudly serve with integrity and commitment”. Thompson also mentioned that he wasn’t arrested or taken into custody and won’t be pressing charges. However, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams clarified today that both men will face charges to ensure public safety. Here’s more on that.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I already sent that matter to Mr. Romero and he’s here, with instructions that those persons involved must be picked up and charged.”

Reporter

“They will be tried for disorderly conduct?”

Chester Williams

“Yes, as we normally do. Does it concern you, I mean, this is such a problematic area, you know, lots of fights happening out of, out here, and I know police, they’re always in that area, but does it concern you that it seems like it’s just, it’s a problem that can’t be solved? I won’t say it can’t be solved. We just need to do what needs to. Constantly arrest those involved. It sends a message to other persons that if you do the same, you’ll end up in the same situation. So it’s important is for us to make sure we deal with those persons who get involved in these fights.”

Mayor Sides with Brawling Councilor

Today, we caught up with Mayor Bernard Wagner who told us that he believes Thompson’s account and sides with him on this one. He, however, shared that he implores his councilors time and time again to stay away from nightclubs and invest that energy in their communities.

Bernard Wagner, Mayor, Belize City

“It is about ensuring that due process is maintained. We have to hear the side of the councilor. But from all account, based on what I have heard so far, it was provoked. He was provoked. You have to defend yourself at all times. I would consider that maybe politics and clubbing don’t mix like oil and water. On that side he may have had some poor judgment by going into these clubs. I have always maintained to our councilors stay away from clubs. It does not mix. Only problems could happen there and you see in that situation clearly he waws provoked. I am behind him. I support him. I draw a line when they are in the wrong. But when I believe they are in the right I support them for it. There are many activities you could engage in, positive activities. Being in the club one, two in the night will serve no purpose. But being on the basketball court and the football field, eight, nine, ten in the morning shows me the difference and so I want to always really encourage them to participate in sporting activities. Get in the communities, serve the communities instead of serving the clubs.”

ComPol Says More Security Needed at Bars

A violent brawl erupted last week at JR’s Bar in Punta Gorda, involving multiple patrons and resulting in chaos. A video of the incident shows furious customers hurling bottles and causing extensive damage to the establishment. In response, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has called for the suspension of the bar’s liquor license. Speaking today, Commissioner Williams stressed the need for bars to bolster security measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Reporter

“ What about a bar brawl in Punta Gorda? Is it the case where every bar is required to have a police on duty or security on duty?”

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“In terms of the bar brawl in Punta Gorda, those persons who are involved have been detained by the police and being charged. We encourage bar owners to ensure that when they are committing, they have security present. We are working with the liquor licensing board to ensure that when. We know when the extensions are issued, the extension clearly stipulates that they must have security. Police officers working there. But in the ordinary course of them opening outside of the extension period, that’s a different story. So we need to see how we can get them to be able to ensure that security is also present when they have when they are open during the ordinary opening hours.”

Reporter

“Was the petition to the Legal Licensing Court to rescind this or suspend this bar owners license, was that ever sent?”

Chester Williams

“That instruction has been given to the legal office and they’re working with the O.C. in Toledo. to have that done.”

Crazy Bar Brawl in Peini

Over the weekend in Punta Gorda, a wild bar fight broke out involving several patrons, prompting the Commissioner of Police to seek the suspension of the bar’s liquor license. The cause of the chaos inside the bar remains unclear, but surveillance footage shows furious customers hurling bottle after bottle at the bar, leaving a trail of destruction. ComPol Williams briefly addressed the incident.

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police

“I just told the legal officer this morning, in conference, to write the Toledo Liquor Licensing Board and seek to have the license suspended.”