_{Photo: Inspector Christopher Martinez, charged}

by Charles Gladden

BELIZE CITY, Thurs. May 16, 2024

A member of the Belize Police Department is facing criminal charges after he reportedly physically harmed a man in the Ladyville Police Station detention cell almost a year ago.

The incident transpired in June 2023, when the accused – 46-year-old Inspector Christopher Martinez of the Special Patrol Unit – allegedly beat up 27-year-old businessman, Aaron Flowers, while he was detained in a cell block

According to reports, Martinez believed that Flowers was responsible for a shooting at Martinez’s home in March of that year, and he removed the padlock from the cell area and inflicted injuries to Flowers’ head. After the incident Martinez was charged with wounding and pleaded not guilty to the offense when he initially appeared in court.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, May 14, he returned once more to court with his attorney, Andrew Bennett, while the Crown was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cheryl Lynn-Vidal. While in court, video footage was used as evidence, illustrating the sequence of events, including capturing Martinez removing the lock and confronting Flowers.

Flowers was present at the court hearing and wanted justice out of the situation along with compensation for his medical expenses caused by Martinez. Bennett reportedly asked the court for a sentence indication for his client, which suggests that he may be considering a guilty plea.

Once more, the case was adjourned to May 23 when the Chief Magistrate will inform Martinez of what may be his penalty for the offense.

He remains active in the department pending the outcome of the court case.