Last week, we brought you the story of a man accused of trying, twice, to set his ex-girlfriend’s house on fire. Tonight, that man, Sir Hugh Anthony Andrewin, is behind bars. After being arraigned for arson in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court, Andrewin was offered bail but couldn’t meet the one thousand, five hundred dollars requirement. He’s now on remand at the Belize Central Prison. The court also laid down strict conditions—he’s not allowed near the victim or her family and must stay at least one hundred yards away. Andrewin claims he’s already moved out of the home he allegedly tried to burn. He’s due back in court on August eleventh. Police weighed in on the case—here’s what they had to say.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“As a consequence of the arson report made by Hanisha Castro on the twelfth of June, on fourteenth of June 2025 Police formally arrested and charged Sir Hugh Anthony Andrewin, twenty-one-year-old Belizean construction worker for the crime of arson.”
A kind gesture took a dangerous turn for one Belize City man. What started as a simple act of generosity, letting someone use his restroom, quickly turned into a robbery attempt. But this would-be thief didn’t get far. According to the police, the homeowner fought back, forcing the suspect to flee empty-handed. ASP Stacy Smith has more on this unusual and unsettling encounter.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“On Sunday fifteenth June at approximately eight-forty-five p.m., police responded to an aggravated burglary report on antelope Street in Belize City where they met with Miguel Alpuche who reported that around eight thirty-five p.m. he was at his residence on the said street when he was approached by a male person who called his name and requested to use his restroom. After this male person gained access to his home he produced a knife and demanded money from Alpuche. A struggle ensued between Alpuche and the individual which resulted in Mr. Alpuche receiving cut wounds. The police are now seeking one individual in connection with this incident. The information we have ascertained is that the male person gave his name to Mr. Alpuche and would have called Mr. Alpuche by his name. He is not quite certain as to whether he recognize the person. Yes there was a demand but the struggle that ensued caused the person to flee without anything. Mr. Alpuche is in a stable condition.”
There’s a tech thief on the loose in Orange Walk tonight. Police are on the hunt for a man who held up K.A.B. Technologies and made off with six cellphones. The suspect, described as an armed Hispanic man, was caught on the store’s surveillance cameras, and now, those images are in the hands of investigators. Authorities are hoping someone out there recognizes him. Here’s what the police had to say.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Police are investigating a robbery which occurred at approximately ten forty-four a.m. at KAB Technologies located at San Antonio Road in the Orange Walk District. The proprietors of that store reported that a hispanic decent male person entered the business place and pointed a firearm at the cashier demanding that she hand over money and cellphones. The male person stole a total of six headphones and made good his escape. Police investigation into this matter continues.”
A disturbing case out of Corozal tonight, police have arrested and charged a man accused of a horrifying betrayal of trust. The stepfather, whose identity is being withheld to protect the victim, now faces four counts of rape after allegations surfaced involving his own stepdaughter. Authorities say he’s been remanded to the Belize Central Prison as the investigation continues.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“As it relates to the report which was made by the twelve-year-old female minor that was made on the twenty-ninth of May, 2025 in Corozal, police have formally arrested and charged a thirty-nine-year-old male for four counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The male person was subsequently arraigned before the Corozal Magistrates Court and remanded to the Belize Central Prison.”
It’s a story of unimaginable pain, incredible strength, and a dream that refused to die. Fifteen years ago, Damari Tesucun was just fourteen when she survived a tragic electrocution that claimed her aunt’s life and left her with severe burns over nearly half her body. She lost a leg, but not her will to live, or to serve others. Fast forward to today, Damari is walking a very different path—across the graduation stage, proudly receiving her medical degree. Now, she’s on a mission to become a burn surgeon, using her own journey to help others heal. News Five’s Paul Lopez has a remarkable story of resilience and purpose.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Fifteen years ago, Damari Tesucun’s life changed in an instant. She was just fourteen when a tragic accident struck, she and her aunt were adjusting an antenna when it touched a high-tension wire. Her aunt died on the spot. Damari survived, but barely. She spent five weeks in intensive care at Shriner’s Hospital, fighting to recover from severe burns. Doctors had to amputate one of her legs, and she later had to learn how to walk again using a prosthetic limb. In a 2015 interview, Damari shared the pain and strength it took to get through that life-altering moment.
Damari Tesucun
Damari Tesucun, Burn Victim (File: April 15th, 2015)
“Seeing my family go through this pain made me realize how important life is and how important being in a family is and the role of a mother and father that takes place. I wanted to somehow take off that pain from them and just carry it myself, but it was difficult, because it was my mother, she has to feel the pain I was going through. I couldn’t do anything but pray for them, pray that he gives us this peace, that tranquility we need for that moment.”
But Damari’s story didn’t end there, not even close. Just over a week ago, ten years after she first shared her journey with us, she reached an incredible milestone. Damari graduated with a medical degree from I-Shou University’s School of Medicine for International Students in Taiwan. Now, she’s well on her way to achieving her dream of becoming a burn surgeon, turning her own pain into purpose.
Damari Tesucun
Damari Tesucun, Medical School Graduate
“Graduating feels surreal. Looking back I feel very grateful for the scholarship opportunity I got and I can see how much I have grown, both academically and personally. I face many challenges, but each step helps me grow. I have become very stronger now. So I feel very grateful and honored and humbled that I have gotten to this place.”
Even after all she’s been through, Damari Tesucun’s journey hasn’t been without new challenges. While studying in Taiwan, she received a new prosthetic, but as she tells it, that upgrade came with complications. The device led to painful pressure ulcers, adding yet another hurdle to her already incredible path. But true to form, Damari didn’t let it stop her. Her determination to become a burn surgeon remains as strong as ever.
Damari Tesucun
“So, I had wounds and despite having those wounds I still had to go to school, I still had to go to the hospital and I was in so much pain and I remember I had to go to the doctor for an appointment and when I got there the doctor told me I had to rest for two weeks and I told him that is not even a possibility. Missing two weeks of school means I would lose so many learning opportunities and my grade would be affected.”
Despite being in constant pain, Damari pushed through her surgical training, determined not to give up. Painkillers offered little relief, but she kept going. And when she finally walked across the stage to receive her medical degree, with her proud parents by her side in Taiwan, every struggle felt worth it.
Damari Tesucun
“From a very tender age, at four years old I knew this is the path I wanted to take and when I was in my accident I was in a burn hospital, Shriners Burn Hospital for Children in Texas. I was surrounded by amazing burn surgeons, doctors and they really inspired me, giving me the best healthcare I could have ever experienced. When I got to that point, I knew that burn surgery was something I wanted to do. I am still on that path, hopefully I can accomplish it soon.”
Tesucun must sit a license exam and complete an internship to practice as a medical physician. She’s not stopping here. With her sights set on becoming a burn surgeon, she’s diving into even more training to make that dream a reality. Her message is simple but powerful: no matter what life throws at you, stay focused, stay driven, and never let go of your dreams.
Damari Tesucun
“I want people to never stop dreaming, to never stop pursuing their goals, even if the journey may seem difficult, we stay committed to our dream and work tirelessly towards it. We cannot lose sight of it, even if obstacles threaten to shatter them. We must keep working and pursuing our goals.”
From entrusting her life into the hands of medical doctors fifteen years ago, to becoming one herself, life has come full circle for Damari Tesucun. And throughout those years, one message has remained steadfast. She shared it in 2015.
Damari Tesucun
“You can do everything and what the bible says you can do everything through Christ who strengthens us.”
And again, when we spoke with her recently.
Damari Tesucun
“Like I always say, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”
Good evening and welcome to this week’s edition of Sports Monday. I am Paul Lopez, here with your sports review for tonight. Let’s begin tonight at the Sandhill Football Field for week two of the William Dawson Peace Cup. In our highlight match, Jane Usher Football Club went up against Caesar Ridge Football Club.
Nineteen minutes into this one, Ceasar Ridge in possession of the ball. It is passed off and second touch to Leslie, sprinting towards goal. Leslie had a defender and the goalkeeper on him, and he kicked the ball between both of their feet and into an exposed goal. In under a minute, Jane Usher FC sent the ball downfield. Number fourteen for Ceasar Ridge stepped up to defend against Delory Andrews, but Andrews shook him off and found a narrow opening to the goal and tied the match. That’s the first half. In the second half of the match, at the fifty-fifth minute, Caesar Ridge with a corner kick, the ball eventually cleared out. Cesar Ridge regained possession, and the ball is sent flying toward the goal. The goalkeeper got a hold but fumbled the ball and Herson Benites took advantage. Caeser Ridge FC went up two goals to one. And that is how this one ended, in favor of CRFC.
The Belize Premier Basketball League is now in week six of its inaugural season. Each day of this weekend saw matches played in different parts of the country. On Friday night, the Capital City Kings hosted the EZ Investment Dream Ballers for a showdown that saw the Dream Ballers rise to the occasion. Kings fell, despite a forty-point performance by Nisani Mendez, while Deshawn Brackett led the EZ Investment Dream Ballers with twenty points. Another big night for Brackett, who is now the first player in this new league to score a total of one hundred points across all games played to date. In San Ignacio, the San Pedro Tiger Shark won yet another road game, this time against the Cayo Western Ballaz. That game ended eighty to seventy-five. The Sharks are now five and zero this season, the only undefeated team in the league, so far. And then on Sunday afternoon, EZ Investment Dream Ballers hosted the Punta Gorda Panthers in a battle of the southern teams. Dream Ballers edged out the Panthers, sixty-nine to sixty-two. The Belize City Thunderbolts will host the Belmopan Capital City Kings on Friday Night in Belize City.Now back to some more football action with the Anthony Mahler Youth Football Tournament.
We have highlights from two matches played on Saturday at Berger Field. In the first game, Royal Fusion and K.P. Strikers female teams went head-to-head in two fifteen-minute halves. And it didn’t take long before Alvian Strikers scored their first goal. That one came from Priya Bladen. She found her way through the clutter in front of the goal and placed it in with a soft ground touch in an open area. That is one for Alvian Strikers and the only goal scored in the entire match. So, the Strikers took that one.The male under-ten match played out differently. In this one, Belize United took on Ebony Lake. And boy did Ebony Lake give a formidable Belize United team a run for their money.
Five minutes into this one a goal kick for Ebony Lake went across the field and Jerrod Tillet in front of the goal. He did not hesitate to fire towards the goal, outplaced the goalkeeper and sent the ball into net. That’s one for Ebony Lake. Two minutes into the second half, Ebony Lake’s goalkeeper Shafique Martin with another goal kick that flies across the field. But this time it bounced inside the penalty box and over the goalkeeper’s head into the goal. That’s two goals for Ebony Lake, as Belize United desperately searched for something. But, their answer came two minutes later from Azair Gaynair. Off the Belize United corner kick, Gaynair was directly in front of goal to put the ball in. He was able to cut their opponent’s lead to one. But that is as far as they went. Ebony Lake came out on top, two goals to one.
Well folks, that is as we have for you in tonight’s coverage of Sports Monday. We do hope that all the fathers out there had a blessed and enjoyable Father’s Day weekend. Catch you in the next one.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith told reporters today that the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) may consider a case of “self-defence” for 39-year-old Daniel Salazar.
Daniel is being accused of allegedly causing the death of his father, 59-year-old Rubio Salazar, during a domestic altercation at their home in the San Mateo area, San Pedro, on Saturday, the day before Father’s Day.
“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,” ASP Smith stated.
Police say that neighbours reported the argument was triggered by tensions over dogs owned by the father and son.
Daniel’s mother, Erminia Muschamp, expressed disbelief. She told News 5, “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.”
ASP Smith added that Daniel was “detained, and it was observed that he had a wound to the temple for which he sought medical attention.”
ASP Smith stated that “Self-defence certainly arises on the facts; however, for a defence of self-defence to be successfully sustained, proportionality is the question.”
The case has been handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a decision on charges.
A 21-year-old man was shot and killed inside his mother’s bedroom in Camalote Village on Friday night, in what police suspect was a targeted attack.
Travis Swift, who was gunned down inside his home shortly after returning from a nearby store. Police say an unknown individual entered the residence and fired multiple shots at Swift. Police recovered around 30 spent shells from the scene.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith said, “Police are currently seeking two male persons who they believe can assist with this investigation.” No motive has been established.
ASP Smith added that police have not yet determined the motive behind Swift’s muder. She also confirmed that Swift was not known to police prior to the incident.
Swift was killed at the foot of his mother’s bed. His younger brother was also in the house and narrowly escaped injury.
“I lose a son, seven years ago, and still no justice. I would want justice for Travis because he really did not deserve it,” Swift’s mother, Rosita Orellana, stated. “Why they target Travis, only God knows. Only God knows, because he is not someone that give trouble.”
Orellana’s other son, Oswald Arnold, was found dead in 2018 after being missing for six months.
Swift had graduated from Baptist High School just two years ago and helped run his mother’s small business.
The man accused of attempting to burn down his ex-girlfriend’s home on two separate occasions has been arrested and charged. Sir Hugh Anthony Andrewin was formally charged with arson.
Andrewin, who had been the subject of a police wanted poster, was apprehended over the weekend and is now in police custody. Authorities say he is responsible for two arson attempts at a residence on Flamboyant Street of Belize City, following a breakup.
The victim’s mother, Hanisha Castro, recounted the frightening events, which began just hours after her daughter ended the relationship. “He opened the burners of my stove, opened the gas tank fully, and then when he was leaving, I saw him light my sofa with a blue lighter,” she told News 5.
Though the family managed to extinguish the first fire, a second attack followed just hours later. “At four a.m. he returned… he opened the window and lit the curtain. I woke up to flames and smoke, had to take out my grandchildren and put out the fire with bathroom water,” Castro said.
Police are investigating a jet ski explosion that occurred near the Gas and Go gas station in the San Mateo area of San Pedro, leaving one man with minor injuries.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Stacy Smith, officers responded to the scene around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, after receiving reports of an explosion in the lagoon.
“The initial investigation revealed that the operator of the jet ski, Jeffrey Molina, had just refueled the jet ski at the gas station, and shortly thereafter there was an explosion which caused him to be flung into the water,” ASP Smith said.
After the blast, the jet ski “drifted a bit and subsequently caught fire.” Fire personnel responded, and Molina was rescued from the water with minor injuries.
The jet ski involved in the incident belongs to a private company.
