BELIZE CITY, Mon. Sept. 3, 2018– Daniel Lopez, 25, was one of the several persons who lost their lives over the weekend. Although there had been some gang retaliation just a few hours before his death, his family says that he was not affiliated with gangs and that he was dedicated to his common-law wife of about 9 years and his 3 young daughters.
At around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, police went to the corner of Basra and George Streets, where they found Lopez’s body lying on the ground beside his motorcycle. Lopez, a resident of #153 Antelope Street Extension, was a delivery man for Chon Saan Restaurant, and he had just completed a delivery when he was shot multiple times by a man who approached him.
Police believe that this was a crime of opportunity, and was not gang-related. They also do not believe that it was a robbery, since nothing was stolen from Lopez.
On Sunday, September 2, they arrested and charged Shane McFoy, 32, a resident of #100 George Street, with Lopez’s murder. Police also say they were able to catch McFoy due to a combination of surveillance, investigations, and cooperation from the public. McFoy is well-known to the police.
One of Lopez’s family members expressed her sadness over his death, saying that he had a “welcoming spirit,” and that anyone who met him was instantly drawn to him. She said that he worked hard for his family, including his daughters, who are ages 7, 5, and 2.
The family member told us that although Lopez appeared to be part of a gang because of all his tattoos, he was not associated with any gang and he merely liked getting tattoos.
They also told us that his dream was to open a motorcycle club, which he had accomplished. He was the president of the “Road Saints,” but had to give up his presidency after he was in multiple accidents, one of which caused his wife to become unconscious. For the safety of his family, he sold the motorcycle he loved and recently got a car.
The family member told us they do not know why Lopez was shot, but they believe that the shooter was simply looking for someone to target.
Even Lopez’s employer, Lee Mark Chang, said that he was an all-around good guy and good worker. He always went to work on time and tried to pick up extra shifts in order to earn more money for his family.
Chang said that delivery men are chosen randomly, so it could have been any other delivery person doing that delivery. This incident has left the other drivers shaken up, so Chang had given them the day off on Saturday.
Chang also further confirmed that the shooting was not because of robbery, because, as far as he knows, nothing was stolen.
Moving forward, Chang will try to enforce extra security measures for his drivers. First, they had a policy that they do not deliver to any of the “extensions” like Iguana Street Extension and so forth. Now, residents living on Euphrates Avenue and surrounding areas will have to come out to the main streets to pick up their food from the delivery men.
Chang said safety for his drivers is his number one concern.