Photo: Elroy Quinonez, deceased

by Charles Gladden

DANGRIGA, Stann Creek District, Mon. May 8, 2023

Travan D’andre Smith, 24, an unemployed resident of Reggae Street, Belize City, has been charged for his alleged role in the murder of 35-year-old Elroy Emil Quinonez, also known as “Cabbage,” of Dangriga Town last Wednesday, May 3.

Quinonez had reportedly been with his two sons, 9 and 11 years old, at the corner of Banak and Zericote Streets in the Back-a-town area of Dangriga, a short distance away from his residence on Banak Street, when his assailant approached him and fired several gunshots in his direction.

The gunman fired approximately six shots, five of which wounded Quinonez in the body and head. Quinonez passed away while receiving treatment at the Southern Regional Hospital.

Last Friday, May 5, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams told local reporters that the murder of Quinonez might have been an act of retaliation following a stabbing incident that occurred in Dangriga two or three months ago, when he had allegedly inflicted stab wounds on an individual.

At the time, ComPol Williams noted that police had recovered the murder weapon and a suspect had been detained pending charges. That suspect, Smith, has now been charged with murder.