Tonight, police are asking the public to be on the lookout for Rudolph “Tuba” Smith, 35, a convicted felon who had served time for robbery years ago, but who had been let out of prison on parole.
Police now say that Smith is presently wanted by the Crimes Investigation Branch (CIB), Belize City police for rape; they did not say much about the rape or the date of occurrence.
In July of this year, Smith had been arraigned in the Magistrate’s Court where he was read charges of two counts of aggravated burglary, one count of aggravated assault and one count of wounding.
He had pleaded not guilty to all charges, but was subsequently denied bail when the court prosecutor objected on the grounds that the offense is of a serious nature and that one of the alleged victims is a minor only 15 years old. The objection was upheld by the presiding magistrate, and Smith was remanded to prison. .
On July 13, Smith allegedly entered the home of a 28-year-old woman. The young woman reported to police that she went to use her outside latrine when Smith, armed with a knife, attacked and forced her into her bedroom. He then threw her on the bed, took off her underwear and attempted to rape her, but she put up a fight. During the fight she was cut on her hand, but managed to grab his testicles. She ran then ran for help.
About two weeks later, a 15-year-old girl of Hattivelle, Belize District, reported that she was sleeping in her bedroom when she was awakened by a noise inside the room. When she turned on her lights, she saw it was Smith. The girl yelled, and Smith ran out of the house.
We have tried to contact Police Press Officer, Sergeant Fitzroy Yearwood on a number of occasions, but have not gotten an answer.