COROZAL TOWN, Tues. Mar. 31, 2020– A man who was reckless in handling a loaded pellet rifle caused the death of Rafael Sansores, 20, a laborer of the Rodney Moguel area of Corozal Town.

The incident occurred at about 5:00 this evening. Reliable reports indicate that Sansores and his friend, Lloyd Usher, 21, and two others, all three of whom are of the White Cocal area of Corozal Town, were socializing at a house when they got a pellet rifle and began to shoot at birds.

The loaded rifle was left leaning against a post on the fence, and one of the men picked up the rifle, pointed it at Sansores and demanded a cigarette. He then pulled the trigger, hitting Sansores in the upper left chest.

Sansores was rushed to the Corozal Community Hospital, after which he was taken to the Northern Regional Hospital, but he died at about 7:00 this evening while doctors were trying to treat him.

Commissioner of Police Chester Williams said that they are not contemplating a murder charge, but a file containing details of the incident will be prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for her guidance on whether charges should be brought.

Police said that the pellet gun belonged to Lloyd Usher, and some pellets have been retrieved and deposited as an exhibit, while Usher, accused of pulling the trigger, has been detained pending charges.