_{Tut Bay FC go on to the Finals after eliminating 2022 champions, Lake Independence FC}

by William Ysaguirre

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Feb. 3, 2025

A deadly shootout claimed the life of Brandon Baptist, 39 years, and sent fans scrambling for safety during the 2nd match of the Belize District Football Association’s (BDFA) First Division semifinals at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City on Friday night, January 31.

In Game 1, the undefeated defending champions, Tut Bay FC, secured their berth in the finals by a 4-2 win over the 2022 champions, Lake Independence FC, with goals by Calvin Thurton (11’), Tyrone Guy (39’), Esmond “Bagger” Sanker (47’) and Akeem Thurton (86’), who came off the bench to deliver a late 4th goal. Israel Noralez (23’) and Tom Moguel (60’) scored for Lake I.

_{Reggae Boyz FC lead, 1-0, near half-time in BDFA 1st Division semifinal}

In Game 2, Reggae Boyz FC was leading, 1-0, with a goal by Keiffer “Beefy” Perteau (26’) when a foul in the box won the Survivors FC a penalty just before intermission. The match officials were supervising the penalty shot, when a staccato barrage of gunshots rang out from the bleachers. One might easily have imagined that it was a Survivors fan celebrating that their team was about to tie the score, or perhaps Chinese New Year’s firecrackers.

_{Survivors FC trail, 1-0, near half-time in BDFA 1st Division semifinal}

Survivors FC trail, 1-0, near half-time in BDFA 1st Division semifinalThe melee as fans scurried for cover brought home the reality that it was gunfire, and when police officers on the scene tallied the wounded persons, Brandon Augustus Baptist was found to have been shot fatally under his right arm, and Dr. Montejo pronounced him dead on arrival at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital at 9:35 p.m.

Others injured in the shooting were John Grinage, 37, who was shot twice in the right side of his chest and in the lumbar region; Herson Mena, who was shot in the right side of his neck; and Cameron Williams, 21, who was shot in his left hand.

There were six police officers in the stadium providing security for the game, but they did not detect the shooters before they opened fire.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) has issued a statement suspending the Premier League of Belize match between Port Loyola FC and Progresso FC, which was to have been played at the Marion Jones Sports Complex on Sunday evening, until better security protocols can be put in place to ensure the safety of the players, officials and fans. FFB president Sergio Chuc also expressed his condolences to the victims, their family and friends, and all who were traumatized by this violent incident, which has marred the beautiful face of football in Belize.

The BDFA executive committee will decide when the 2nd semifinal game will be played, and the schedule for the championship finals and the consolation match for 3rd place.