Photo: Jason McKenzie, charged with murder

by Charles Gladden

BELIZE CITY. Mon. Sept. 4, 2023

A Belize City resident was arraigned at the Magistrate Court in Belize City on Friday, September 1, for the murder of James Escarpeta, 38, of George Street who was executed in July of this year.

Reports are that Escarpeta was walking on West Street just before 7:00 p.m. towards Water Lane when the person who killed him approached him from behind and fired deadly shots at him.

Police believe the shooter is Jason McKenzie, 32, a resident of Belama Phase 5 of Belize City.

McKenzie appeared unrepresented in court; because of the nature of his offense, no plea was taken from him, and he was remanded behind bars at the Belize Central Prison until November 3 of this year, without bail.

Reports suggest that Escarpeta was affiliated with the George Street gang in the area; however, he reportedly wasn’t active due to him being mentally challenged.

Following the shooting, Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, said that Escarpeta’s death was in retaliation for the shooting death of Steve Moss, which occurred a few days prior and ignited the State Of Emergency in the area.