Photo: Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Aug. 10, 2023
On August 10th, Belize’s Police Commissioner, Chester Williams held a comprehensive press briefing, addressing a list of recent criminal activities and concerns about police conduct.
Recent Crime Incidents
Early Thursday, Mayflower resident Aaron Chavez became the victim of a fatal shooting. While Chavez’s death remains shrouded in mystery, Williams indicated Chavez’s presence in a neighborhood other than his own might offer clues. Investigations are ongoing, with no solid leads at present.
On August 4, Albert Hines, a well-known Belize City fisherman, was ambushed outside a relative’s yard on Antelope Street Extension. He suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen. The Commissioner revealed that there might have been a previous altercation involving Hines and a woman, hinting at a potential motive. No arrests have been made yet.
Merely a day later, on August 5, 26-year-old Evian Murillo faced a similar fate near his Rio Grande Crescent home. He was fatally shot on the veranda of his home. While the motive remains a mystery, Williams expressed confidence in the quality of leads they have, suggesting that an arrest could be imminent.
Allegations of Police Misconduct
The police department is currently under scrutiny following the release of a video showing an officer reportedly slapping a woman. Williams confirmed the video’s receipt and its subsequent handover to the Professional Standards Branch (PSB) for investigation. He assured the public that any wrongdoing would be adequately addressed.
Derrick Uh, a 20-year-old, tragically lost his life in August 2022 in an incident that has significantly tarnished the police department’s reputation. After being detained by officers, Uh was left in a locked police vehicle where he subsequently suffocated. His grieving family has since taken legal action against the responsible officers, seeking both justice and financial compensation. While Williams was reserved in his response, he did hint at an ongoing mediation and a potential financial arrangement being discussed.
In another tragic incident, 20-year-old deliveryman Jesus Sacul died following a high-intensity police chase on July 31. Rumors circulating suggest that Sacul might have been run over or even shot by pursuing officers. Williams categorically refuted these allegations, basing his claims on post-mortem results. However, he confirmed that the department is awaiting further recommendations from the DPP in Orange Walk before deciding the next course of action.
Firearm Licensing Controversy
The Deputy Commissioner, Richard Rosado, recently voiced his support for the new gun licensing board, and proposed that Belize should model its system after Jamaica’s. Williams, however, expressed reservations. Citing several issues plaguing Jamaica’s board, including instances where individuals with notable criminal records were granted licenses, he emphasized the need for Belize to adopt a more rigorous system.
Additionally, Williams touched upon the rising concern of illegal ammunition entering Belize via the Mexican border. He attributed this alarming trend to the influence of Mexican cartels and highlighted ongoing operations in northern Belize. These operations have led to significant weapon recoveries, including two AK-47s and a grenade, with one of the rifles believed to have been used in a recent shooting incident, namely, that of Nimrod Tillett.
A Recent Heartbreaking Incident and a Report of Grave Sexual Misconduct
The press briefing also touched upon two deeply unsettling events. The first involved a tragic accident in Hopkins where 6-year-old Makaya Magdaleno was fatally struck by a gas truck. The second pertained to alleged sexual predator Mervin Budram.
Williams confirmed that both cases are under active investigation, assuring the public of the department’s commitment to delivering justice.