Photo: James Dorian Escarpeta, deceased

by Kristen Ku

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. July 27, 2023

The streets of Belize City were once again marred by violence on Wednesday evening, July 26, just a day after two men — one in Belize City and one in Belmopan — were killed on Tuesday in incidents that were just hours apart. On Wednesday the bloodshed would continue, with news emerging in the old capital of yet another cold-blooded shooting.

At around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, police were called to the scene, where the victim, later identified as 38-year-old James Dorian Escarpeta, was found lifeless on West Street.

According to initial reports, Escarpeta was shot once by an unknown gunman who approached him while he was walking along West Street, heading towards Water Lane. That single fatal shot sent him collapsing to the ground.

It is believed that the George Street resident died on the spot.

Back in 2006, Escarpeta had been accused of involvement in the murder of Kevin Parks, which occurred on Euphrates Avenue. However, due to a lack of witness statements, he was not convicted.

Additionally, that same year, he was also charged with two counts of attempted murder, dangerous harm, and use of deadly means of harm for the shooting of Charles Moss and Jose Pech in the Hattieville area.

Later, in 2012, Escarpeta was targeted in another shooting on Baracat Street, but survived after being rushed to the hospital by police.

In 2019, Escapeta was once again taken to court, this time for the crime of attempted robbery at the Buca Shell Gas Station in Belmopan.

Armed with a firearm, he had allegedly threatened the cashier and gas attendant’s life, before making off with stolen money. However, his escape was thwarted when a brave citizen was able to subdue him and turn him over to police.

There are reports that Escarpeta was associated with the notorious Taylor’s Alley Gang, sparking fears about a possible resurgence of gang warfare in Belize City.