BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Jan. 25, 2018– There has been no let-up in violence in the country of Belize since the start of the New Year, but in one area, Belize City’s south side, there had been a welcomed calm. That calm, however, was shattered today, Thursday, when San Pedro resident Simon Velasquez, 23, was shot four times on Plues Street sometime after midday. His body was recovered by police from inside the Brown Bomber’s Bike Shop.

According to eyewitness information, Velasquez had been in an altercation with his attacker, who pulled out a firearm and shot him at close range. Police have not yet provided any additional information in connection with this latest murder.

A review of the Amandala archives reveals that Velasquez was no stranger to the law, and that there had been at least two previous attempts on his life.

In March of 2012, Velasquez was shot by San Pedro police who went to detain him after receiving reports that he had been involved in several fights.

He fled from police, and when they caught up to him, he pulled out a stick and charged at one of the officers, who then shot him in the upper right thigh.

In July of 2010, Velasquez was stabbed three times on Allan Pitt’s Crescent in Belize City. Three men were arrested and charged in that matter.