A family dispute turned deadly on Wednesday night, leaving a young woman dead and a community in shock. Twenty-year-old Claritza Granillo Rodriguez was fatally stabbed, allegedly by her own brother-in-law, after an argument over something as simple as the volume of music in their home. The accused, twenty-three-year-old Eris Gavarette, fled the scene but was tracked down by police the next day and is now facing a murder charge. The family had only recently moved to Belize from Honduras, hoping for a fresh start. Instead, they’re now at the center of a heartbreaking tragedy. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero has more on the arrest.
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Head of Crime Investigation Branch
“In reference to the murder in Spanish Lookout, we have since resident charge Eris Gavarette, a Honduran National for the crime of murder.”
Reporter
“Was it was she killed because she was playing music?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“That is the information we have. The dispute began when they were playing music and they have been asked to lower the music.”
Reporter
“Does she have a history of domestic violence in this relationship?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Not that we know of. They recently came to Belize from Honduras.”
Reporter
“Three of her family members from the members got detained before the perpetrator was located. Why were they detained?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“An investigation had to be carried out to determine, what actually transferred. So they were brought in and the investigation has now been concluded and that one person has been charged. “
Reporter
“Originally, the police released a wanted poster. Where did they end up finding the suspect?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“The suspect was found in Santa Elena, in the Cayo district.”
Reporter
“Was he hiding in somebody else’s house, was somebody else holding him?”
A night of fun in Belmopan took a terrifying turn for a police officer who ended up in the hospital after a brutal attack. Twenty-nine-year-old Oliver Giron, a resident of the capital and a member of the police department, was out socializing at a local nightclub when things suddenly spiraled. Just after one a.m., Giron stepped outside to change his shirt, but instead of heading back inside, he was ambushed by four men, beaten, and stabbed. Thankfully, his injuries weren’t life-threatening. He was treated for a stab wound to the shoulder and has since been released from the Western Regional Hospital. Giron says it was a good Samaritan who came to his rescue and rushed him to safety. Tonight, police are investigating what led to the attack and who was behind it.
Just days after police officially closed the investigation into the death of nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz, new evidence is shaking things up. De Paz was fatally stabbed during a chaotic street brawl in Caye Caulker, an incident that involved duty police officers. Surveillance footage appeared to back the officers’ claims that they stepped in after De Paz’s group knocked a man unconscious. But what followed was a violent escalation, leaving five people stabbed. The officers say it was self-defense, but the case is far from over. Police are now awaiting directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Commissioner of Police Doctor Richard Rosado gave us an update on where things stand.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“In reference to the fatal stabbing incident that occurred the thirtieth of June, 2025 in Caye Caulker, further directive was given to the investigators. Additional evidential material were collected and those will be forwarded to the DPP for her guidance and directives.”
Reporter
“You can’t tell us what kind of evidence?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“It included both video evidence and additional witness statements.”
A tragic family dispute that turned deadly is now making its way through the courts. Late yesterday, Matyas Carlos Bo appeared before the Dangriga High Court, where he pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but not guilty to murder, in connection with the fatal stabbing of his own brother, John Bo, back in September 2024. The incident happened in Bella Vista Village, Toledo, during a night of drinking that escalated into a violent fight between the two brothers. According to the police, Matyas used a pocketknife to stab John in the chest after a heated argument. Despite efforts to intervene, John collapsed and later died from his injuries. Matyas Bo was later detained at his mother’s home and charged with murder. In court, he admitted to the stabbing but claimed he was heavily intoxicated and couldn’t recall the full details of the fight. Justice Antoinette Moore has deferred sentencing until August 5th, when a mitigation plea will be heard before a final decision is made.
The island of Caye Caulker remains shaken and searching for answers following the tragic death of nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz. What began as a late-night brawl has now escalated into a community-wide uproar, one that involves two off-duty police officers and a young man who never made it home. Police say the officers stepped in to stop an attack on another individual, but the situation quickly spiraled when knives were drawn. De Paz was fatally stabbed during the altercation, and now, emotions are running high. In the aftermath, some officers have taken to social media, expressing fear and frustrations, saying they’re hesitant to intervene in off-duty incidents due to public backlash and personal risk. So, what exactly is the protocol when an off-duty officer witnesses a crime? We put that question to the Commissioner of Police, Doctor Richard Rosado.
Britney Gordon
“And we’ve seen another officer come forward and state that in situations like these, when an officer is off duty and out of uniform, they feel hesitant to get involved in certain situations because of the potential backlash that comes with them intervening. Do you think that officers have a responsibility to intervene in situations like these when they’re off duty? Is it not their mandate to serve and protect at all times?”
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“In accordance with the police act chapter 138 of Belize, all police officers, whether on active duty or not, are deemed to be on duty. So if an act is being committed in their view, by law, they must act.”
A tragic night in Caye Caulker has left a family grieving and a community demanding answers. Nineteen-year-old Kevin de Paz, a Belizean-American just days away from beginning his journey with the U.S. Army, was killed in a violent altercation in the heart of the village. What began as a simple outing for food with a friend ended in a deadly confrontation—one that reportedly involved two off-duty police officers. Now, Kevin’s body lies in the KHMH morgue, and serious questions are swirling about what really happened that night—and why. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith shares what police know so far.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“So far what police have learnt is that two off-duty officers were in front of a fast-food establishment when they observed a golf cart with male occupants stopping at their location and one of the male occupants is reported to have shoved an individual was similarly at the fast-food stand. It is reported that the officers intervened in this ongoing altercation and the male persons departed. It is reported and alleged that that golf cart with the male person, along with other male persons, returned to the location shortly thereafter and an altercation ensued between the off-duty officers and the occupants of the golf cart. The altercation resulted in the fatal stabbing of nineteen-year-old Kevin DePaz. The injury to one of the police officers by way of a stab wound and another injury to the other officer, as well as the injury of Canul who is reported to be in a stable condition, and another male person Nishan Allen that was in the group, who is reported to be in a critical condition. The police’s investigation into this matter continues. The commissioner has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to be conducted, both by the Major Crimes Unit of the police department and the Professional Standards Branch. Commissioner Rosado has also reached out to the family of the victim in this incident and is heading out to Caye Caulker in relation to this incident.”
Heartbreak and outrage continue to ripple through the island community of Caye Caulker following the tragic death of nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz. What was supposed to be a peaceful night turned deadly in the early hours of the morning, when a fight broke out near Pueblo Nuevo Street. Two off-duty police officers reportedly stepped in—but instead of calming the situation, the confrontation escalated. Kevin was fatally stabbed, and two others were injured. Now, serious questions are being raised about public safety and the role of law enforcement in this deadly encounter. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the details.
Kevin De Paz
Britney Gordon, Reporting
He had just returned to Belize—nineteen-year-old Kevin De Paz, full of promise and preparing to serve in the U.S. Army. But less than a month after coming home to visit family, his life was tragically cut short. Around 2:30 a.m., what began as a night out with friends turned violent. An altercation escalated, and two off-duty police officers reportedly stepped in. By the end of it, Kevin was fatally wounded. Now, with a family in mourning and a community demanding answers, the Commissioner of Police says a full investigation is underway.
Richard Rosado
Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police
“Investigating a stabbing incident that occurred sometime around 2:30 this morning, where five individuals were stabbed, including police officers. They were all transported to the Caye Caulker polyclinic and we’re one of nineteen-year-olds succumbed to his injuries. I have assigned the major crime unit from Belmopan to do a thorough investigation. They are on the grounds, meticulously collecting evidential material to ensure that a thorough investigation is being conducted.”
According to police reports, De Paz and four others were stabbed in the incident, including the two officers. Nishan Allen, one of the individuals injured, was flown to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in critical condition but has reportedly been stabilized.
Police officer
Dr. Richard Rosado
“Our initial investigation revealed that revealed that two off-duty police officers were at a fast food, when another two individuals went and hit another male individual, causing him to collapse unconscious to the ground. The two police officers did intervene, with the view to apprehend those suspects, and in the apprehension of suspect, a brawl ensued where several persons were stabbed.”
Police officer
Britney Gordon
“Has it been revealed how many knives were at the scene? If the five people were stabbed, if there was only one weapon that may have passed forth between the groups.”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“From the evidential material that we have collected, we have seen that threeindividuals were armed.”
Britney Gordon
“Can we confirm whether those individuals were from both parties?”
Dr. Richard Rosado
“Yes. From both parties.”
Earlier this year, police officers underwent specialized training to help them deescalate tense situations, especially those involving individuals with mental health challenges or erratic behavior, without resorting to lethal force. But now, following a deadly incident involving two off-duty officers, some are questioning whether one of those officers was mentally fit to be on duty in the first place. Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado has responded, saying both officers are in the right state of mind. Still, the questions linger: Are the right systems in place to ensure accountability and readiness within the force?
Dr. Richard Rosado
“As far as I am aware, he’s in all his mental faculties and he has been performing his duties within his mental faculties. So he has no issues or areas of concern about his mental faculties, but I want to add that the department will conduct a thorough investigation and after. the file would be forward to the DPP for her directives.”
De Paz’s death has sent a wave of sadness over the island. Although he was living abroad, he was a familiar face in the community. Chairlady Seleny Villanueva says the island is mourning.
Seleny Villanueva
Seleny Villanueva, Chair, Caye Caulker
“I do want to take this opportunity to extend my deepest love and condolences tothe family. Like I said, Caye Caulker is a close knit community and when it hitsone of us it’s all of us who, and my heart goes out to the family.”
The officers have since been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is underway.
Dr. Richard Rosado
“We have been looking at several different avenues in how we can equip our officers with non-lethal weapons and also to train them in de-escalation tactics to prevent incident like this.”
The investigation into the tragic death of Kevin De Paz has now reached a critical stage. The case has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, as the two off-duty officers involved claim they acted in self-defense. But the De Paz family isn’t waiting quietly—they’ve made it clear they intend to pursue legal action of their own. As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to demand answers and accountability. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Police have detained several women for a public brawl that occurred on Friday night in Digi Park. According to investigators, this fight quickly escalated to violence and resulted in one woman’s hospitalization after she was stabbed several times. Luckily, she is in stable condition, and no other serious injuries were reported. ACP Hilberto Romero has more details on the incident.
“On Friday eleventh period of April 2025, Chelsey Lewis reported that she was at New Town Barracks in Belize City when she had a fight with several females. As a result, she received stab wound injuries, she was taken to the KHMH for treatment and is in a stable condition. An investigation was carried out and Erynne Belezaire was arrested and charged for the crimes of dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm.”
Reporter
“Do police know why she stabbed her?”
Hilberto Romero
“They were socializing first at Thirsty Thursdays thereafter, they left from that iswhere they got into the argument that New Town Brracks, that led to the stabbing.”
Erynne Belezaire
Britney Gordon
“Was anyone else injured?”
Hilberto Romero
“No one else was injured.”
Reporter
“So they were together. They were like friends?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yeah, they were all at that location before the incident.”
Reporter
“You don’t know what the nature of the argument was?
Hilberto Romero
“No, we are not sure what they were arguing about.”
Reporter
“Was anyone else detained with respect to the fight itself?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yeah. Other persons were detained, but only this person was arrested fordangerous harm as she did the stabbing.”
That stabbing incident left one woman hospitalized in stable condition, while her alleged attacker faced court today. Twenty-six-year-old Erynne Belezaire was charged with dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm for allegedly stabbing Chelsea Lewis on Friday at Digi Park on Newtown Barracks. Reports say Lewis and four friends were socializing at the Thursday Thirsty Nightclub before walking to the nearby park. There, they were approached by two other women, including Belezaire, and an argument broke out, escalating into violence. During the fight, Belezaire allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Lewis multiple times in the face and body. Today, Belezaire appeared in court without a lawyer and pleaded not guilty to the charges. She was granted bail in the sum of one thousand, five hundred dollars, plus one surety of the same amount, which she met. Under the bail conditions, she must not interfere with Lewis or her family and must stay at least one hundred yards away from Lewis. Belezaire’s next court date is set for June sixteenth, 2025.
