Family of ATV Driver Killed in Crash Demand Justice

A grieving family is demanding answers tonight after a deadly crash in Esperanza turned into a push for justice. Twenty-seven-year-old Thomas Martinez lost his life when his ATV was struck from behind by a car, an impact so severe it threw him into a roadside drain. Police say they’ve issued a notice of intended prosecution to the driver, but with no charges yet filed, Martinez’s loved ones say it’s not enough. Now, his adoptive mother is raising serious concerns, not only about delays in the case, but also about missing belongings from the scene.

 

On the Phone: Sharon Mae, Family Friend

“We have no intention of being silent. We have no intention of backing down. And on our behalf, what we are seeing, we are not seeing a clear cut case. And we are very displeased, and we are calling on the Commissioner of Police to do the right thing. The impact of the ATV is totally destroyed. Thomas did not have a fighting chance. It appears as if that vehicle went  up over Thomas in a bit because the way the ATV is broken in half, that entirety is gone. Thomas was very productive. Thomas was an electrician. Thomas worked cement work. He built homes. Thomas was a mechanic. Thomas was a welder. Thomas was also a body worker who fixed vehicle body. Thomas came in first when he graduate in every subject. Thomas also applied to the police department and he was denied an opportunity three times. Thomas Lester Martinez applied to the Belize Police Department. A Black young man with A’s, he graduated with amazing grades, first in every subject.”

 

The family is now encouraging members of the public to join their calls for 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.

 

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