Photo: Orel Leslie, deceased

by Charles Gladden

BELIZE CITY, Wed. Aug. 30, 2023

Two men suspected of being involved in the shooting that ended the life of businessman-turned-street figure, 34-year-old Orel Leslie of Belize City, on Sunday night, August 27, were arraigned in the Magistrate Court, not for the suspected murder of Leslie, but on firearm charges.

The suspected gunmen have been identified as 25-year-old Elden Flowers of Oleander Street and 27-year-old Kareem Franklin of Flamboyant Street, affiliates of a local gang in Belize City.

Leslie had reportedly been en route to his home in a red pickup truck when he was ambushed by two men on a stolen motorcycle who fired as many as 15 gunshots at him.

As a result of his being shot, Leslie’s vehicle collided with a tree near St. John’s Cathedral which is located at the junction of Albert Street and Regent Street. Both executioners quickly fled the scene and were reportedly apprehended at the flag monument near Pallotti High School. When police searched the men, they discovered a 9-millimeter pistol and two extended clips.

The two appeared unrepresented in court on Tuesday, August 29, and both pleaded not guilty to the joint charges read—kept firearm and kept ammunition without a gun license. They were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 30.

Notably, earlier this year Flowers had been acquitted of murdering Richard O’Neil back in November 2019.

Reports suggest that Leslie was an affiliate of the BLC (Backa Lands Crips) gang, while the accused men are affiliates of the PIV (Peace in the Village) gang.