Photo: David Sutherland, charged
by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Tues. Aug. 1, 2023
On Friday, July 28, the Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, announced during a press conference, the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder of a well-known street figure, Nicholi Rhys, which occurred on Neal Pen Road in Belize City on July 20.
Nicholi Rhys, a notorious figure, was at his mechanic’s shop on that fateful day when he and his mechanic, Jervis Samuels, were targeted. Samuels sustained minor injuries, while Rhys was pursued by his assailant and shot to death in a brazen attack.
The person suspected of carrying out this cold-blooded murder has been identified as 31-year-old David Sutherland.
Prior to his arrest in connection with the murder, Sutherland was already facing charges for possessing a firearm and ammunition without a valid gun license.
He was also charged with one count of possessing controlled drugs with the intention to supply to others for drug trafficking, after having been found with a substantial quantity of cannabis weighing approximately 186 grams (6.56 ounces).
Sutherland, a resident of Custard Apple Street in Belize City, appeared before Chief Magistrate Jayani Wegodapola, and as part of a plea agreement, Sutherland entered a guilty plea for the drug-related charges, leading to a reduction of his sentence from the maximum of ten years to two years and two months behind bars.
Sutherland is facing a much more extensive possible sentence, however, for the murder of Nicholi Rhys.
According to reports, during his court appearance, Sutherland appeared unrepresented before the Chief Magistrate, and due to the gravity of the offense, no plea was taken from him in relation to the murder charge.
As a result, he has been denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison, where he will await trial for the murder of Nicholi Rhys, scheduled for October 27, 2023.
The murder of Nicholi Rhys sparked fear and concern among the residents of Belize City, as it was one of the latest incidents in a string of violent crimes plaguing the city. With the arrest of David Sutherland, police hope to send a strong message to potential offenders that such acts will not go unpunished.
Commissioner Williams praised the diligent work of the Police Department’s investigating team in apprehending the suspect, especially since the launch of the State of Emergency within Belize City is currently underway.