Father of Two Gunned Down in Belmopan Robbery Attempt

The family of fifty five year old Mark Gabourel is left reeling after a horrifying act of violence in the heart of Belmopan. Gabourel, a well known delivery driver and a devoted father of two, was shot and killed in broad daylight during what police say was a brazen robbery attempt. The killing has rattled the capital, not just because of its brutality, but because of how familiar it feels. The incident mirrors a recent attack on delivery workers along the Hummingbird Highway, raising renewed concerns over the growing dangers faced by drivers tasked with keeping businesses moving across the country. Loved ones describe Gabourel as hardworking, dedicated, and deeply committed to his family. Even more troubling, this wasn’t his first close call. He had survived a robbery attempt just last year, making this deadly encounter all the more devastating. Now, as his family mourns an irreplaceable loss, the tragedy is also raising serious questions about security, police presence, and how safe Belizeans really are, especially those whose jobs put them on the front lines every day.

 

Voice of: Fiona Jones, Sister of Deceased

“My brother has sole custody of his girls and he was an exemplary dad. He would take off his last shirt for them. He was very proud of them and he worked tirelessly to make sure they have everything they need.”

Fifty‑five‑year‑old Mark Gabourel, a father of two and a delivery driver for Caribbean Chicken, was shot and killed on Wednesday afternoon after finishing his final delivery for the day. Around four p.m., as he pulled out of the Sunny Side Grocery parking lot with a co‑worker, two men on a motorcycle blocked the truck. The passenger opened fire, fatally wounding Gabourel. The gunmen tried, but failed, to open the truck door before speeding away. Blurry surveillance images show the suspects, and police believe they may be linked to a motorcycle robbery gang operating in the area.

 

Voice of: Fiona Jones

“This happened to him sometime last year, he did get held up somewhere in Tiger Town, but fortunately nothing happened at the time. They robbed like six hundred dollars from him and every single day I would tell Mark, quit that job, get a different job, go to a call center or whatever, it is easier. But he was really passionate about that job, he loved it.”

 

Everything points to robbery as the motive. Gabourel began working with the company three years ago. His manager, Jose Navarro, describes him as an exceptional employee, someone who would go above and beyond for the customer.

 

Jose Navarro, Manager, Caribbean Chicken

“He was like a right hand to me. He would come in and load the trucks early in the morning and load his truck. Like he come in the morning lively and happy that is the way Mr. Mark would end day.”

The killing has drawn immediate comparisons to the murders of two Sarita delivery drivers three weeks ago on the Hummingbird Highway, again putting a spotlight on the risks faced by delivery truck drivers.

 

Jose Navarro

“Me personally bring it out to the employees, if something like this happens just give what you have and don’t care about cash or truck. Your life is more important and that is something we communicate very often. We have meetings every Monday and we see what is happening around. And you don’t expect it would touch you so close.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Based on your time here is this the first time something like this happened?”

 

Jose Navarro

“No, Mr. Mark was robbed about mid last year sometime and well at the time they just took the cash and drive off. This time they didn’t ask for cash. They just came in and shoot.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Is there any level of regret from your side or the company about not enforcing extra security following the first incident with him?”

 

Jose Navarro

“I would not say regrets. Things I took into my own hands was that after that incident happened in Sarita I travelled up with him up the road. He told me boss I am glad you are here. I have my weapon with me and we travel up the road.”

 

What’s especially alarming is where the attack unfolded, on a busy street in the heart of Belmopan. Attorney Arthur Saldivar, a close friend of the victim, says the capital’s reputation as a peaceful city has been lost.

 

Arthur Saldivar, Friend of Deceased

“What is really taking place, what is causing these brazen and emboldened  criminals to operate the way they are? One could say that it is the lack of law enforcement presence, one could also say that it is because of the double standard that is taking place where law enforcement is concerned and crimes are being committed, the criminal elements say well if law enforcement people can be involved in these things, then so can they.”

 

Gabourel’s sister also expressed her pain, saying the city her family calls home no longer feels safe.

 

Voice of: Fiona Jones

“I think we never understand how deep it is until it home. You hear about all these things all the time. Sometimes my son and I take walks with our dogs at eleven o’clock in the night and we say Belmopan is so safe. So, I am realizing it is not safe after all.”

As loved ones mourn and questions mount about the state of public safety, Gabourel’s death is a sobering reminder that even routine work can turn deadly amid rising crime. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez .