As the couple argued in their one-room, un-partitioned home, their two young daughters were baking tortillas, and their 8-year-old son was at the table eating. Their 17-year-old son was not at home.

Police say that the couple was not aware of what Constantine was doing because of the argument. Suddenly they heard a deafening blast. Apparently Constantine took Jose?s shotgun down from a rack where it was mounted on one of the walls. Constantine may even have loaded the gun during the argument, while he was not being watched. He held the licensed 16-gauge shotgun to his head, and pulled the trigger.

Constantine was transported to the Southern Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

No post-mortem has been conducted on Constantine?s body. Our sources say that may be performed tomorrow.

Constantine is said to have been very familiar with the shotgun, since he often accompanied his father when Jose would go hunting.

Constantine Choc was a Standard 5 student of San Marcos Primary School.

A statement released today by the Toledo Maya Women?s Council (TMWC) stated that, ?It is unfair for our children to suffer the consequences of violence; this is unacceptable, and therefore we call on the respective authorities and GOB [Government of Belize] to address the issues of family violence urgently.?

?We are cognizant of the level of violence that takes place in our communities, which, no doubt, can only be tackled by concerted efforts. We seek the collaboration of organizations and GOB departments ? together we can save the lives of our children,? said the Toledo Maya Women?s Council.

Police say they are still investigating the apparent suicide.