Two Detained After Double Murder in Santa Elena

Two men are dead following a broad-daylight shooting in Santa Elena on Saturday, with police detaining two men and impounding a vehicle of interest as the investigation continues.

35-year-old Rasheed Hyde of Georgeville and 36-year-old Gil Pineda of Dangriga were shot at around 12:10 p.m. on August 29 on George Price Avenue in Santa Elena. ASP Stacy Smith says the men were in front of a residence when shots were fired from a Nissan Rogue.

Both Hyde and Pineda were hit and taken to the Western Regional Hospital for medical attention. Hyde succumbed to his injuries shortly afterwards, while Pineda died on Sunday.

Andrea Westby, Hyde’s aunt, said she had seen him at around 11 a.m. on Saturday while he was at a car wash. She said that less than an hour later, the family learned that he had been shot and was taken to the hospital.

Westby said Hyde had “really turned around” and had become “extremely productive” in recent times. She said he had a wife and two children and was making an honest living.

Westby said Hyde was involved in farming and pig breeding and loved animals and horses. She also spoke about plans for him to participate in the September celebrations, including riding in the parade.

“We just hope that they would find out the who, and we get some kind of justice,” Westby said.

The shooting occurred on the same day that residents took part in a Peace Walk organised in response to crime in the municipality. The mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Earl Trapp, says the latest incident is concerning because he considers the municipality to be one of the safest in the country.

“I think this is more related to a war that is beyond our control here,” Trapp says. “I would hope that the relevant authorities, which is more the police department, security, would take some harder actions because I think everything trickles down.”

Trapp also called for greater community involvement in helping police investigate crimes, including residents and businesses providing surveillance footage when requested.

The mayor said the police department organised the Peace Walk on Saturday to speak out against crime in the municipality. He added that the Santa Elena Town Council has also been organising a day of prayer to bring residents together and pray for a safer and more peaceful municipality.