Photo: Austin Williams, deceased

by Charles Gladden

BELIZE CITY, Mon. Aug. 14, 2023

While the old capital was still on edge following the recent murder of a nineteen-year-old who was killed on Zacaranda Street in the Lake Independence area on Thursday morning, August 10, two other male persons were shot in separate incidents on Sunday night, August 13, with one victim—Austin Williams, 23, passing away, while the other, Oliver Ramirez, is hospitalized in a critical condition.

According to initial reports, Williams was walking in the Racoon Street Extension shortly after 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, when a vehicle drew close to him and a gunman exited the vehicle and fired several shots at him, killing him instantly.

Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams told local reporters in the weekly press briefing today that Austin Williams’ shooting is connected to the firing of gunshots a few minutes earlier on St. Thomas Street, and both were the result of a dispute over a woman.

About an hour later, on Cumberbatch Street in the Lake-Independence area of Belize City, a wounded Oliver Ramirez was found by police. It is reported that he had been at home with his common-law-wife prior to the incident when her ex-boyfriend approached their home and fired two gunshots, one of which hit Ramirez in the stomach while the other grazed his head.

Ramirez survived the attempt on his life.

ComPol Williams noted to reporters that the suspect in the second shooting is from the area and known to authorities. He is in police custody, and charges are expected to be levied against him.

The suspect who claimed the life of Williams is known to police.

ComPol Williams declined to speak on whether or not the now-deceased Williams was known to the police.