Two Minors and Sixty-year-old Woman Shot in Belize City

Three people, including two teenage boys and a sixty-year-old woman, were shot Tuesday night in the Lake Independence area of Belize City. It happened just after 7:30 on M & J Street near La Croix Boulevard, when a gunman opened fire on a small group. All three were rushed to the KHMH; two have since been released, while one remains hospitalized. This comes barely a week after the murder of fifteen-year-old Eric Reyes, two armed attacks, and growing concern about safety in the city. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the details.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

One week after fifteen-year-old Eric Reyes was killed, gunfire erupted again in Belize City, this time injuring two seventeen-year-olds and a sixty-year-old woman on M & J Street. No one was killed, but one victim remains hospitalized. Julia Vialto, shot in the foot, recalls the terrifying ordeal.

 

Voice of: Julia Vialto, Shooting Victim

“I was on my way to a church service when I saw a guy riding toward me on a bicycle. Then someone else came out from another street, and suddenly I heard gunshots. I immediately threw myself to the left side of the street, but one of the bullets hit my foot. After that, everything happened so fast, and I don’t remember what happened. I managed to get to a neighbor’s house, and they were the ones who helped me and took me to the hospital.”

 

The bullet hit Vialto in her heel. Today, she is recovering at home, and although she is grateful to be alive, remains shaken.

 

Voice of: Julia Vialto

“Yes, this experience has me frightened. There were many shots fired. It’s been so insecure here in the city; we are scared. They have to put a bit more strictness in the country, because innocent people will lose their lives.”

 

Since the shooting, residents have noticed a heavier security presence, police patrols, BDF soldiers, and GI3 officers in the area. Still, Julia Vialto believes more proactive steps are needed to protect citizens and steer young people away from violence.

 

Voice of: Julia Vialto

“I think they should look into strengthening laws and see what to do with the kids nowadays that are going around and shooting like crazy. There are too many drugs and firearms out there.”

 

This morning, police showed up at the home of one of the male victims, a visit his family says is just the latest in a string of raids over recent months. As of now, no arrest has been made in connection with this incident. Britney Gordon for News Five.