by Charles Gladden
CAYE CAULKER, Belize Cistrict, Mon. June 5, 2023
Floyd Wellington Samuels, also known as “Southy”, 45, a construction worker of Avenida Mangle, Caye Caulker, was gunned down inside his home on Saturday, June 3, after two men arrived at his residence under the pretext of wanting to purchase fonto (tobacco leaves).
According to reports, at around 7:00 p.m. that Saturday, Samuels had been inside his residence along with his girlfriend when two men approached the home and indicated that they wanted to purchase the leaves. Not long after, gunshots were heard, and, according to reports, approximately 12 shots were fired.
After being wounded, Samuels collapsed, and his assailants fled the scene. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Samuels’ girlfriend sustained minor injuries to her buttocks.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, OC of Eastern Division, told local reporters that Samuels may not have known the gunmen.
ACP Romero further noted that Samuels was known to the police, but only for minor offenses.
Police have detained three men who are suspected of having played a role in the murder of Samuels.
No motive for the killing has yet been established, but police were able to recover seven 9mm expended shells and a 9mm magazine loaded with 17 live rounds.
FLASH!! In late news as we go to press tonight, police have reportedly charged 26-year-old John Elwin Hyde, Jr. with the murder of Floyd “Southy” Samuels in Caye Caulker over the weekend.