2025-06-16 - Greater Belize Media

Father Fatally Chopped by Son Just Before Father’s Day

Just before a weekend meant for honoring fathers, a heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the quiet San Mateo neighborhood in San Pedro. Rubio Salazar, a familiar face on the island, was killed in a shocking altercation, allegedly at the hands of his own son. What should have been a time for family and celebration has instead turned into a time of mourning and disbelief. The incident has left a family shattered and a community searching for answers. Tonight, we take a closer look at what led to this devastating turn of events. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the story.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

For one San Pedro family, this Father’s Day brought heartbreak instead of celebration. Fifty-nine-year-old Rubio Salazar lost his life in a violent altercation with his own son. Police say the argument between Rubio and thirty-nine-year-old Daniel Salazar turned deadly after a blow to the head escalated the situation.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Police are investigating the death of fifty-nine-year-old Rubio Salazar of the San Mateo area, San Pedro, which occurred on June fourteenth, 2025, at approximately 3:30 P.M. The investigation revealed that Rubio Salazar and his son Daniel Salazar got into an altercation with each other, where it is alleged that Rubio struck Daniel with a stick, and Daniel inflicted a chop wound in the upper part of Rubio’s body, fatally wounding him. Daniel Salazar was detained, and it was observed that he had a wound to the temple for which he sought medical attention.”

Neighbors say the argument may have started over the family dogs, one belonging to Daniel Salazar at the front of the yard, and the other, known to be aggressive, belonging to his father at the back. They believe tensions over the dogs may have sparked the deadly confrontation. Meanwhile, Daniel’s mother, Erminia Muschamp, is still in shock. She says she never saw her son as a violent person and is struggling to come to terms with what happened.

Erminia Muschamp, Mother of Daniel Salazar

“I couldn’t believe it; I was surprised. Daniel is not that kind of person. He’s not a violent person; I can’t even explain. He is a calm person, a responsible person, and a mannered person. He’s not a drunkard, like, going to drink outside or socialize with people like that. He was the best son I ever have.”

Muschamp says her son isn’t a violent person and believes he may have been pushed to his breaking point. She claims her former husband, Rubio, had a history of aggression, and suggests that Daniel may have been triggered during the heated exchange that turned deadly.

Erminia Muschamp

“With me living with him, I know he was that person that used to hit me, used to be violent with me. But with kids, like with the years that passed, I can’t say about that. I don’t really know what kind of person he’d become after. When you’re living with somebody and then separate, it’s two different things. I can’t really say anything about Rubio’s life now.”

Police are yet to determine if self-defense can be applied to this incident.

ASP Stacy Smith

“Self-defence certainly arises on the facts; however, for self-defence to be successfully sustained, proportionality is the question. The office of the director of public prosecution will give directions as to what charges are to be levied under the circumstances. I can confirm that samples were taken from persons present and statements were recorded.”

The tragic death left a lasting impact on the entire family as they grieve the loss of Rubio and process the actions of Daniel Salazar. Erminia is hoping that no matter what the outcome, justice will prevail, and her family can overcome their heartbreak.

Erminia Muschamp

“I trust in God, and I believe in God. I pray for the best for my son because he has a daughter that will be graduating on Wednesday, and that’s what he says, ‘Mom, my daughter, my daughter.’ I said, ‘Son, just have to wait and wait for the best and hope that justice will be served,’ and I said, you know, something triggered Daniel to react like that, and he told me he was hit twice before I react and he was tired; he just came in from work maybe like 5 or 10 minutes before, according to what I understand. And you know in this sun hot coming in from work tired, and someone attacks you, you don’t think; you just react.”

At this time, the family remains torn and confused, but is leaning on each other for support as they grapple with the reality of the situation. Britney Gordon for News Five.

Police have no records of prior altercations between Daniel and Rubio Salazar.

Camalote Man Gunned Down Inside Mother’s Bedroom

A peaceful night in Camalote Village was shattered by gunfire on Friday, leaving a family devastated and a community in shock. Twenty-one-year-old Travis Swift was gunned down inside his mother’s bedroom, his life cut short in a hail of bullets. Over two dozen shell casings were recovered from the scene, and the bedroom wall still bears the scars of the violence. Police say Swift was the intended target. But the big question tonight is—why? Described by many as peaceful and well-mannered, Travis is now the second son Rosita Orellana has lost to gun violence in just seven years. It’s a heartbreaking story of loss, fear, and unanswered questions. Paul Lopez has more from Camalote.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Just minutes after twenty-one-year-old Travis Swift arrived home in Camalote Village, a gunman opened fire through a bedroom window. Swift was shot and killed at the foot of his mother’s bed. At the time, only he and his younger brother were home. Their mother, Rosita Orellana, was out that Friday night.

Rosita Orellana, Mother of Deceased

“And that is where they killed him in my room.”

In a terrifying moment that could have claimed two lives, Travis Swift’s younger brother tried to intervene as gunshots rang out inside their home. But the gunman wasn’t done, he turned his weapon on the young boy. Miraculously, Swift’s brother escaped without injury.

Rosita Orellana

“The younger brother was sitting in the hall, he shouted for him. But my younger son thought it was pop shots. When he shouted for my son, he went in the room and they shot at him too. My son said he was not afraid, he was there to help his brother. They shot so many shots at my other son. But they did not my other son.”

Rosita Orellana says the scene inside her home was like something out of a war zone. Investigators counted up to thirty spent shells scattered across the bedroom floor. The glass windows were shattered. The frame was riddled with bullet holes. And the wall directly across from the window? It’s peppered with marks from the barrage of gunfire. Police say Travis Swift had just come back from a quick run to a nearby store when the gunman struck. He barely had time to settle in before his life was taken in a hail of bullets.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“And shortly after he returned, it is believed that an unknown individual entered the residence and fired multiple shots fatally injuring Swift. Police are currently seeking two male persons who they believe can assist with this investigation.”

Reporter

“Any motive?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“No motive has been ascertained so far.”

Reporter

“Is he known to the police?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“He is not known to the police.”

Investigators have identified two suspects, both from Camalote Village, and confirmed that Swift was the intended target. For his mother, Rosita Orellana, the pain is all too familiar. In 2018, she lost another son, twenty-two-year-old Oswald Arnold, whose body was found along the Belize River after he’d been missing for six months. Today, an urn with Oswald’s ashes sits in the family’s dining room, a heartbreaking reminder of the violence that’s struck her family twice.

Rosita Orellana

“I lose a son, seven years ago, and still no justice. I would want justice for Travis because he really did not deserve it. Why they target Travis, only God knows. Only God knows, because he is not someone that give trouble. Whosoever, if it is one or two, we are not sure. We don’t know what side they came from and what is the reason they did this and why they chance Travis out of his life, why. You all are some cowards, because you did not have to do my son that. And I the ask unu the question, why Travis out of all people that did not bother anybody.”

Travis Swift graduated from the Baptist High School two years ago. Up to the time of his death he assisted his mother in operating a small business she runs. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

Man Found Chopped to Death on Banana Farm

A grim discovery on a banana farm in southern Belize has left a community in shock. On Friday, police found the decomposing body of a Honduran national, Roberto Dominguez, bearing multiple chop wounds. He was last seen alive on Monday and now, investigators are trying to piece together what happened in those missing days. Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith shares more on this disturbing case.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“On Friday thirteenth of June, 2025 at approximately four four fifteen p.m., police officers attached to the Bella Vista Police substation in southern Belize visited a banana farm on San Pablo Road, where the unresponsive body of Roberto Vasquez Dominguez, a seventy-one-year-old Honduran farmer, was found. The body, which was already in a state of decomposition, exhibited injuries consistent with chop wounds and gunshot wounds. As a consequence of the ongoing investigation, police have learned that Dominguez was last seen alive on Monday, ninth June, where it is alleged that he indicated to an individual that he was going to do some work on his farm. The investigation into this matter continues.”

Reporter

“Suspects?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“No suspect has been identified thus far.”

Reporter

“And did he disclose if he had any problems with anybody else?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“No information has been ascertained in relation to that question,”

Man Narrowly Escapes Death After Friend Fires Shots at Him

A Belize City man is counting his blessings tonight after a close brush with death. Twenty-six-year-old Jevon Ramclam was hanging out at his home on Maskall Street when a heated argument took a dangerous turn. Police say the dispute with Lindon Maskall escalated quickly ending with gunfire aimed at Ramclam. Thankfully, he escaped unharmed. Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith has more on this frightening encounter.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“On Thursday, twelfth of June, 2025 at approximately eleven thirty-five p.m., police responded to a shooting incident on Maskall Street, Belize City. It was learned that Jevon Ramclam was injured as a consequence of the shooting and was ferried to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital for treatment. So far, the investigation has revealed that Ramclam was at his residence, socializing with a group of male persons, when an argument ensued between Ramclam and one of the individuals who is alleged to have pulled out a firearm and fired several shots at Ramclam. injuring him. Police have since arrested and charge Lindon Maskall, a Belizean tour guide of Maskall street for the crimes of use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm.”

Reporter

“So these two people are friends?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“They’re familiar with each other. Yes.”

Reporter

“And what was the nature of the argument that led to the shooting?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“A disagreement between the two?

Reporter

“Were they drinking?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“They were socializing. I believe they were drinking. Indeed.”

Reporter

“The firearm was licensed?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“No, Mr. Maskall is not known to be the holder of a licensed firearm.”

Reporter

“And are any of these persons going to police?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“Yes.”

This incident marks the second attempt on Ramclam’s life after he was targeted by gunmen in 2023.

Christmas Eve Shooting Leaves One Dead and Another Injured | News 5 Belize Archive

South African National Found Dead in Corozal

After a neighbor grew concerned over not seeing seventy-five-year-old Marvin Hartin for several days, a wellness check led police to a tragic scene—Hartin’s decomposing body was found inside his home in Consuelo Village, Corozal District. While there were no visible signs of injury, police say the investigation is far from over. Superintendent Stacy Smith shares more on this somber case.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“Police are investigating the death of seventy-five-year-old South African National, Marvin Hartin, who at the time was residing in Consejo Village, Corozal District. A neighbor of Hartin reported to police that he had not seen him for a few days, which caused him to become concern as that is out of the norm for him. Police visited the residence and, after unsuccessfully trying to communicate with anyone there in the premises were breached, and they were immediately confronted with the odour of decomposition. The body of Hartin was discovered and a preliminary inspection of the body did not disclose any sign of injury. The body of Hartin is now at the National Forensic and Science Services Laboratory, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.”

Reporter

“He’s a resident of Belize, he’s living here now?”

ASP Stcy Smith

“Yes, he resides in Consejo Village.”

Reporter

“And likely it is natural causes of death?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“The indication from a superficial inspection of his body does not suggest foul play to be involved. However, the post-mortem examination would give a more conclusive determination of that.”

Failed NPC Meeting Marks Another Blow for UDP

The United Democratic Party’s attempt at a fresh start this weekend turned into yet another public unraveling. What was supposed to be a pivotal National Party Council meeting never even got off the ground. Instead, chaos erupted right outside the U.D.P. headquarters. Tensions flared as long-time party supporter Alfonso Noble was allegedly blocked from entering by Jose Luis Uk Espat, just one of many signs that the party remains deeply divided. While some, like Uk Espat, say they came in the name of unity, others are calling the entire event illegitimate and lawless. With key figures like Opposition Leader Tracy Taegar-Panton and former Vice Chairman Roosevelt Blades speaking out, the U.D.P.’s internal conflict is once again playing out in full public view. So, what’s really going on inside the U.D.P.? News Director Isani Cayetano takes a closer look at the fallout from Saturday’s failed NPC meeting.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

The United Democratic Party is still struggling to find its footing, four months after a crushing defeat at the national polls, the cracks within the opposition are only getting deeper. It’s been eight months since the Alliance for Democracy held a so-called unity convention in Belize City, an event the High Court later ruled had no binding effect on the UDP. And now, this past Saturday’s failed National Party Council meeting is just the latest sign that the party remains in disarray. With no clear path forward and internal divisions growing louder, the UDP’s downward spiral shows no signs of slowing.

Roosevelt Blades, Former Vice Chairman, U.D.P.

“Dis di hurt me, dis di hurt me. Ih di hurt the thirty-five years I serve dis party, fi sih what dis man di allow fi happen to our party. It is so not right. Shyne resigned, if ih wahn sihdown een de as past leader, he can. But ih can’t sit in there as a leader, that da common sense.”

That was Roosevelt Blades, former vice chairman of the United Democratic Party, and he wasn’t mincing words. His comments were aimed squarely at Shyne Barrow, the man who lost his seat in the House of Representatives back in March, stepped down as party leader… and then made a surprising comeback just weeks later. It’s a political rollercoaster that’s left many wondering: what’s really going on inside the NPC?

Tracy Taegar-Panton, Leader of the Opposition

“It is illegitimate. The persons who are invited to the NPC are not bonafide members of the NPC and are not authorized to make decisions on behalf of the NPC, simple. You can’t call it anything else, that’s what it is. You can’t handpick people and say to them, are you coming to the [NPC]? This happened to a colleague of mine out west. He was called and [asked], “Are you coming to the NPC tomorrow?” He says, “In what capacity?” They said, “As chairman of your constituency. But he said, “Well, I’m not the chairman. We have a chairman.” And he gave the chairman’s name. He said, “I just made you the chairman. So you are invited.” What the come on.”

Saturday’s meeting was meant to mark a new beginning for the United Democratic Party, a chance to regroup, refocus, and hit the reset button. At least, that’s what former party chairman Alberto August had in mind. But instead of a reset, what unfolded was more like a political nosedive.

Alberto August, Vice Chairman, United Democratic Party

“You see, you see the lawlessness of this? This is not the UDP. This is not the UDP.”

Isani Cayetano

“Some people would argue that you’ve essentially hijacked this entire event today, notwithstanding the fact that the deputy party leader says he was not invited, nor was the Leader of the Opposition.”

Alberto August

“The [deputy] party leader is invited. This is not a government matter. The Leader of the Opposition addresses government issues. She is the Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives. This is a UDP meeting. There is a difference between the Leader of the Opposition and the leader of the UDP. This is not a government meeting. This is a meeting of the United Democratic Party.”

The National Party Council gathering didn’t materialize—and instead, chaos broke out right on the steps of the UDP headquarters. In a dramatic moment, Jose Luis Uk Espat allegedly tried to block long-time party supporter Alfonso Noble from entering the building, sparking confusion and confrontation.

Alfonso Noble, Secretary, Lake-I Constituency

“I am a member of the NPC, I need to go up there. If Uk goes up there, he is going to be making decisions which will affect me, which will ultimately affect me and he cannot make a decision for me. He has no standing in this party. He da just dreg up, come up kinda way deh weh part his position is not even legal. He went through no convention, he has no committee. I don’t know who these people are who are coming up there. I need to go up there. These people that are coming up there will not make any decision for me.”

For Uk Espat, Saturday was a chance to bring the United Democratic Party back together. But instead of healing, the day unraveled into confusion and confrontation, with tensions boiling over right at the party’s doorstep.

Jose Luis Uk Espat, Member, United Democratic Party

“I’ve always been one to mitigate for unity, for love, for respect, for peace. I noh cohn ya cohn fight, I noh cohn ya cohn nothing. I cohn ya for a meeting that I was invited to by the leader of the UDP, Mr. Shyne Barrow, I attend the meeting to see how best we can move the entire party forward. That’s my objective here today, nothing else.”

Isani Cayetano for News Five.

Shyne Blasts Panton Faction as ‘Criminal Enterprise,’ Not Democracy

From his end, Shyne Barrow didn’t hold back, calling out Tracy Panton and her supporters for what he described as political violence, not democracy. In a fiery video statement, he said the actions on display were more criminal than constitutional and warned that such behavior is exactly why unity within the party remains out of reach.

Shyne Barrow, United Democratic Party

“It is a shame and disgrace what we saw on display today from Tracy Panton and her alliance. I don’t know if you can call them a “for democracy” party. It was more like a criminal enterprise that we saw out here exercising not freedom of expression but political violence. It was repugnant, something that escalates the discourse in Belize beyond that of difference of opinions and philosophies but to that of violence. This is the same reason Tracy Panton and her cabal were expelled from the United Democratic Party, for acting outside of the framework that guides our institution which is that of the constitution. They continue to demonstrate a level of lawlessness, a level of contempt for authority that frightens me and that is why it has been difficult to hand over the party to people who behave more like a criminal enterprise rather than democratic, loving servants of the Belizean people. And it is rather unfortunate because what would have happened today would have brought the party forward. It would have opened the doors to inclusion, to reunification, reset and rebuilding. Today, we would have passed motions to lift the expulsion of Tracy Panton and others.”

Shyne Barrow Calls Out Party Chaos, Urges Return to Order

Shyne Barrow isn’t holding back and he’s making that crystal clear. As he gets ready to step down, he’s calling out what he sees as out-of-control behavior within the party. Barrow says some members are ignoring the rules and acting like they’re above the law, and that’s putting the party at risk. He’s pushing for unity and a fresh start, but says it must be done the right way, by following the party’s constitution and respecting the process.

Shyne Barrow, United Democratic Party

“Those are not the type of people that we want leading any political institution. Those are not the type of people that we would ever, heaven forbid, want to be the prime minister of our country and members of our cabinet. It should have been a learning lesson from October twentieth. It should have been a learning lesson from October twenty-seventh when they forcefully, criminally took over the UDP headquarters and we had to go to court and have them removed and have the court decide that Tracy Panton had no authority and was never the leader of the UDP. As your outgoing party leader, I pledge that I will do everything in my power to unite this party, so that we can reset and rebuild, to be inclusive as we transition to new leadership. But we must follow the processes, the structure outlined in our constitution. If we do not do that, then we are no different than a banana republic, we ae no different than the cartel or criminal enterprises that operate lawlessly, outside the regulatory framework that is there to ensure justice.”

BNTU President Fires Back at Ads Targeting Union Leaders

Over the weekend, B.N.T.U. President Nadia Caliz came out swinging at the Briceño administration, firing back after a series of government-sponsored ads targeting union leaders. In a fiery Facebook post, Caliz accused the administration of stirring up trouble and made it clear, the unions aren’t backing down. Their demand for an eight-and-half percent salary adjustment still stands, and they say no amount of pressure will make them waver.

Nadia Caliz, President, Belize National Teachers’ Union

“It is sad when we look at politics taking the plight of Belizean people and playing politics with it. You have seen the smear campaign against the unions. But we are not going to step back. That is the message today. Eight-point five salary adjustment is eight-point five salary adjustment. Let me tell you this my dear teachers. They can put out one thousand videos. You know what makes this movement unique because it is their people on the ground who are not supporting them. They can run one million videos, and their very own people are not supporting them. You have seen the comments under their own ads. You have seen our parents are with us. That is why when they say president our parents are in sixth form, our children are here at standard six, fourth form, they want to graduate, work with us and we will work with you because we understand the struggles you are going through. Running an ad saying it will cost a hundred-million-dollar salary adjustment, the government knows this is not true. And let us look at how it started. Thirteen million for the salary adjustment, then twenty, next forty million dollars, then sixty million and now a hundred million dollars for the salary adjustment. The politics they are using to try and distort the pain and suffering of the Belizean people will not work. They can put a video out there with the president naked and stealing this and that, the movement will not change. The people want to see their eight-point five salary adjustments. And I will tell you, when I look at our ads, you know what is happening, you are only creating problems for yourself. You are hemorrhaging. It is about time that you sit down with your people and let them understand we go to work with the workers of this country.”

Jet Ski Explosion Sends Man Flying—Miraculously Survives

A terrifying moment on the waters off Ambergris Caye nearly turned deadly, but one man is lucky to be alive. Jeffrey Molina had just refueled a jet ski when it suddenly exploded, sending him flying into the sea in a ball of flames. Miraculously, he escaped with only minor injuries.

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“On Saturday fourteenth June at approximately ten thirty a.m.. police responded to reports of an explosion in the lagoon by Gas and Go Gas Station in San Mateo area San Pedro. The initial investigation revealed that the operator of the jet ski, Jefrey Molina had just refueled the jet ski and shortly thereafter there was an explosion which cause him to be flung into the water. The jet ski drifted a bit and subsequently caught fire. Fire personnel were summoned to the scene. He received minor injuries.”