Three Minors Charged With Murder

Three male minors have been formally charged with the murder of 18-year-old Ewart Josiah Hernandez Jr., who was shot and killed in Belize City earlier this week.

Two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old were jointly charged on Thursday.

Hernandez was killed shortly after 1:15 p.m. on Monday on Vernon Street near the intersection with Partridge Street. Police previously said Hernandez was travelling on a motorcycle when he stopped on the side of the road near Swift Hall.

According to investigators, Hernandez Jr. was approached by two male individuals, one of whom allegedly pulled out a firearm and fired a single shot, striking Hernandez.

Hernandez Jr was rushed for medical attention but succumbed to his injuries.

Police had initially detained one male suspect and said they were searching for another, with surveillance footage from police cameras helping investigators track the suspects.

The charges come days after the shooting, which also prompted a police operation in the surrounding area. A resident had told News Five that several young men from a nearby property were detained following the murder and questioned the police action.

A motive for Hernandez’s murder has not been disclosed by police.