List of killings by law enforcement officers in Belize

Last updated

This is a list of people reported killed by military and non-military law enforcement officers in Belize since the 2000s, whether in the line of duty or not, and regardless of reason or method. The listing documents the occurrence of a death, making no implications regarding wrongdoing or justification on the part of the person killed or officer involved. Killings are arranged by date of the incident that caused death. Different death dates, if known, are noted in the description or footnotes. The tables below list 66 people as of July 2025. [n 1]

Contents

2020s

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.
DateName (age)District (place)DescriptionRulingNb
30 Jun 2025Kevin de Paz (19) Belize (Caye Caulker) De Paz was stabbed and killed during a late night brawl on Luciano Reyes Street involving two off-duty police constables. The officers alleged they acted in self-defence, but family were not convinced.Two constables suspended; investigative outcome not clear [1]
25 Mar 2023Dyandre Chee (19) Orange Walk (Orange Walk) Police corporal Esmin Flores and police constable Salomen Cowo shot and killed Chee when he fled from arrest on a motorcycle on Boundary Road. Officers claimed they shot at Chee and a companion after hearing gunshots from the motorcycle. Chee's companion told police the sound officers heard was from the motorcycle engine, and further claimed officers used threats and intimidation to pressure him to recant his testimony.Flores and Cowo arrested and charged; trial outcome not clear [n 2]
31 Dec 2022David Ramnarace, Jon Ramnarace, Vivian Ramnarace Cayo (Belmopan) Police corporal Elmer Nah allegedly shot and killed three members of the Ramnarace family as they celebrated New Year's Eve in their residence.Nah charged; trial outcome not clear [n 3]
20 Dec 2022Andrew McDougal (25) Stann Creek (Santa Cruz) McDougal, a haemophiliac being arrested for public use of cannabis, was beaten and slammed against a police vehicle after being handcuffed by police officers John Lucas and Jameel Lewis, as per mobile phone footage. McDougal died two weeks later on 20 December of internal bleeding due to the beatings, per the autopsy report.Lucas and Lewis suspended and charged; trial outcome not clear [n 4]
14 Aug 2022Derrick Uh (20) Corozal (Corozal) Uh was detained by police constable Errol Peralta for disorderly conduct and alleged sexual assault on 14 August in San Joaquin, Corozal. He was placed in a sealed prisoner van and later transported to the Corozal Police Station but was not removed from the vehicle until 13 hours later, when a police officer found his lifeless body. A postmortem determined Uh died due to heat stroke as a consequence of prolonged confinement in an enclosed space.Two officers suspended and charged; trial outcome not clear [n 5]
5 Sep 2021Jesse Escobar (29) Cayo (Santa Familia) BDF private Raheem Valencio shot and killed Escobar in an altercation with a joint police-BDF patrol (with police officer Juan Morales and BDF soldier Ramon Alcoser) that had stopped a group of men at Branch Mouth Stop & Shop, a convenience store. The altercation allegedly started when the patrol directed a groupmember to wear a COVID-19 face mask properly. Surveillance footage showed Valencia brandishing his service M4 carbine at an unarmed Escobar after some heated words.Valencio detained and charged; trial outcome not clear [n 6]
14 Jul 2021Laddie Gillett (14) Stann Creek (Placencia) Gillett was shot and killed by police officer Kareem Martinez as the latter chased Gillett and another young person while responding to a call regarding a burglary in progress.Martinez convicted, 18 years' prison [2]
13 Oct 2020Akeem Tillett (33–34) Belize (Coastal Rd) Tillett, who had escaped prison on 12 October, was shot and killed during a firefight with police officers who were on the lookout for escapees. Tillett was allegedly armed with a stolen assault rifle.? [3]
19 Apr 2020Ulysease Roca (25) Belize (Willows Bank) Roca was found dead on 19 April, two weeks after he was beaten by a police officer while in police custody for allegedly breaking a COVID-19 curfew regulation. Roca alleged that police harassed and bullied and beat him for being gay. Roca’s family believed an injury from said police beatings developed an infection which proved fatal.? [n 7]

2010s

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.
DateName (age)District (place)DescriptionRulingNb
16 Jul 2019Allyson Major Jr (36) Belize (Belize) Police corporal Kent Martinez shot Major, a teacher, while in hot pursuit on Regent Street from a police vehicle after suspecting Major had purchased illegal drugs (cannabis). Major received a gunshot wound to the head and died while undergoing treatment.Martinez acquitted [n 8]
Jun 2019Nestor Vasquez Belize (Belize) Two police officers at the Queen Street Police Station failed to intervene when a mentally disabled detainee inflicted fatal head injuries on Vasquez, their mentally disabled cellmate.Two officers dismissed [4]
22 Feb 2018Ariel Salazar (46) Orange Walk (Orange Walk) Seven BDF soldiers and one police officer allegedly beat Salazar to death over a suspected mobile phone theft in his residence on San Antonio Road and Staines Alley. All but one of the soldiers or officer were allegedly masked.Soldiers and officer charged; case dismissed [n 9]
14 Jan 2018Mario Vernon Jr (24) Toledo (Punta Gorda) A purportedly inebriated police constable, Tevin Aranda, allegedly shot and killed Vernon, grandson of Leela Vernon, in a neighbour's residence on George Price Street. Aranda claimed Vernon had a firearm in hand, but witnesses contradicted the constable's account.Aranda suspended and charged; trial outcome not clear [n 10]
15 Aug 2017Dwayne Almendarez (30–31) Orange Walk (Yo Creek) Customs officer Rudolph Williams shot Almendarez in the chest, abdomen, and leg during an anti-smuggling customs-BDF bus search. Almendarez had reportedly charged at Williams when prompted to hand over his allegedly uncustomed goods. Almendarez's family claim he was unarmed. Almendarez died while in an induced coma on 19 August.Williams charged; trial outcome not clear [5]
9 Jun 2017Richard Garcia (44) Corozal (Chunox) Four police officers shot and killed Garcia after he allegedly approached the officers with a machete during a routine eviction. Neighbours rejected this account, describing Garcia as 'peaceful, humble and hardworking.'Investigative outcome not clear [n 11]
Mar 2017unnamed man (30) Belize (San Pedro) Three police officers allegedly beat a man to death while in custody on disorderly conduct charges.Officers charged; trial outcome not clear [6]
20 Apr 2016Julio Alvarado Ruano (14) Cayo (Chiquibul Forest) Alvarado Ruano was shot and killed by forest rangers during a joint border patrol with soldiers.Investigation clears rangers [n 12]
7 Mar 2016Edwin Ixpatac (30) Belize (San Pedro) Ixpatac, a bartender, was detained on 3 March on disorderly conduct charges. Despite being injured prior to arrest, police did not seek medical attention for Ixpatac. Video footage showed police constables Rommel Logan, Reydel Teck, and Jahisir Cobb beating Ixpatac that night. He was found unconscious the next morning, a post mortem revealing he had died on 7 March from a blow to the head received during his detention.Logan, Tech, and Cobb convicted [n 13]
8 Jun 2015Hilberto Sotz (18) Belize (Caye Caulker) Sotz was fatally brutalised while in custody by police officers Leonard Nunez and Hallet King. Sotz had been detained pending the investigation of a series of burglaries. According to an alleged witness, Nunez and King tortured Sotz and put a plastic bag over his head. An autopsy concluded that Sotz died from major internal bleeding and trauma caused by excessive force.Nunez and King convicted, 9 months' prison [n 14]
15 Dec 2014Peter Castillo Jr (21) Belize (Bacalar Chico) Castillo, an alleged playador (person combing beach for washed up cocaine parcels), was killed during a shootout with coast guard officers who were patrolling the park. The officers claimed they were returning fire.Investigative outcome not clear [7]
29 Mar 2014Tomas Desdicho Ramirez (29) Cayo (Chiquibul Forest) BDF soldiers fatally injured Desdicho Ramirez, a campesino (farmer) of San Marcos, Peten, during a routine border patrol with police and forest rangers. The patrol came across a group of allegedly armed Guatemalan civilians illicitly farming in the protected park. When ordered to surrender themselves, the men allegedly opened fire on the patrol.Investigative outcome not clear [8]
24 Feb 2014Moses Williams (25) Toledo (Big Falls) A special constable and a regular constable shot Williams while trying to subdue him after he injured one of the officers with a machete. The special constable was hospitalised, while Williams later died from the shooting. Williams's family filed complaints against the constables, arguing they mishandled the incident, in part because Williams suffered from a mental disorder.Internal investigation clears constables [n 15]
19 Apr 2013Ryan Lozano (21) Belize (Ladyville) Police shot Lozano while responding to a burglary in progress on 18 April. Police alleged the victim exited the home wielding a knife and crowbar and advanced towards them before one officer shot him once in the abdomen. The victim’s family alleged that police shot him three times in the back while he was on the ground in police custody. Lozano succumbed to his injuries on 19 April.Investigative outcome not clear [9]
5 Oct 2012Francisco Quin Yat (37) Cayo (Chiquibul Forest) A BDF soldier on border patrol shot and killed Quin Yat, a campesino (farmer) of Monte los Olivos, Peten, allegedly after the machete-wielding farmer kept advancing on the soldier despite warning shots.? [10]
18 Jul 2012Luis Martinez Alonzo Toledo (Columbia Forest)BDF soldiers on border patrol shot and killed Martinez Alonzo, a Guatemalan national, upon discovering an illegal logging operation in the forest reserve.Investigative outcome not clear [n 16]
7 Jul 2012Kendal Flowers (18), Alexander Mazariegos (22), Alley Garcia (23) Belize (Bacalar Chico) Flowers, Mazariegos, and Garcia were killed during a firefight with coast guard officers and BDF soldiers. The joint patrol had been sweeping the border park after reports of organised criminal activity in the area.Investigative outcome not clear [11]
22 Apr 2012Arthur Young Belize (Belize) Young was shot and killed when a firearm went off during a struggle with a police officer, who police claim was trying to frustrate an escape attempt by Young.None [n 17]
28 Jan 2012Juan Choc Chub (29) Cayo (Chiquibul Forest) BDF soldiers on border patrol shot and killed Choc Chub, a Guatemalan national, allegedly for poaching in the forest reserve.? [n 18]
10 May 2010Alex Goff (31) Belize (Caye Caulker) Police constable Alpheus Parham allegedly shot and killed Goff while in custody after being arrested at the Lazy Lizard, a bar, for disorderly conduct and assaulting a police officer.Parham charged; trial outcome not clear [12]
27 Feb 2010Teddy Murillo (21) Belize (Belize) Murillo, a UB student and Adventist deacon, was shot and killed while biking home on Waight Street by an unknown suspect in a moving vehicle. Murillo reportedly had been involved in an altercation with a police officer earlier the same evening, and the family alleged that said police officer had committed the killing.Investigative outcome not clear [n 19]
13 Feb 2010Anthony Jones (41) Belize (Lords Bank) Police corporal Jorge Lemus shot and killed Jones, a Jamaican national, as he rode away from a fight outside Ruba's Bar. Eyewitnesses alleged the victim posed no threat to Lemus and police constable Lazaro Catch, but the officers claimed he carried a shiny object the corporal mistook for a gun.Lemus and Catch charged; trial outcome not clear [n 20]

2000s

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.
DateName (age)District (place)DescriptionRulingNb
2009unnamed man Orange Walk (?)A reportedly inebriated man was shot in the leg by a joint patrol of police officers and soldiers, allegedly for resisting arrest despite warning shots. The man later succumbed to his injury in hospital.Officers charged; trial outcome not clear [n 21]
22 Dec 2009Christopher Galvez (23) Belize (Belize) Galvez was fatally shot in the head by an unknown suspect in the Pipersburgh Boatyard. Galvez's family alleged a police officer killed Galvez.Inquiry clears police [n 22]
Aug 2009unnamed boy (17) Belize (Belize) A 17 year old boy was allegedly beaten to death by police officers while in custody on charges of robbery. Witnesses claimed the boy was last seen with the officers in a police vehicle before his body was found.None [13]
11 Jun 2009Onario Oba (19) Orange Walk (Douglas) Customs officer Charles Flores allegedly shot and killed Oba in the face during a confrontation between a routine anti-smuggling patrol and a group of alleged smugglers from San Victor, Corozal. The joint police-customs-BDF patrol had earlier seized $10,000 worth of uncustomed goods in San Victor. Officers alleged they fired warning shots as the group were armed with machetes, sticks, and stones, but Oba's father stated his son had been an innocent bystander.Flores charged; trial outcome not clear [14]
Mar 2009unnamed man (20) Belize (Belize) A man was shot and killed by a police officer during an alleged robbery attempt. Witnesses claimed the officer stood over him and shot him in the face.None [15]
2 Feb 2009Atanacio Gutierrez (44) Orange Walk (Tower Hill)Gutierrez, a cane farmer, was shot and killed by police during a labour protest.Investigative outcome not clear [16]
3 Aug 2008Carmen Herrera (49) Belize (Belize) Herrera was shot (in the back of the head) and killed on Swing Bridge by a police constable in pursuit. The officer claimed Herrera had been armed, but family and witnesses contradicted this.Constable acquitted [n 23]
1 Nov 2007Jimmy Montano Gutierrez (26) Belize (San Pedro) Montano Gutierrez was shot and killed on Seaweed Street in San Juan by police officers, who claimed he had aimed a gun at them. Neighbours contradicted this account, saying Montano Guitierrez held a beer bottle, not a gun.Investigative outcome not clear [n 24]
16 Aug 2005Andrew Wallace (13) Belize (Belize) Wallace was shot and killed on East Collet Canal by police constable Randy Sanchez, who claimed the former had been armed.Investigation clears Sanchez [17]
12 Feb 2005Leslie Rogers Jr (21) Belize (Belize) Rogers, a St John's sixth former, was shot in the head and killed on Amara Avenue by police constable Aldo Ayuso.Ayuso acquitted [18]
12 Feb 2004Leroy Pilgrim Belize (San Pedro) Pilgrim was shot and killed by police constable Burton Caliz during a search of Pilgrim's boat. Caliz claimed a struggle over an unlicensed firearm led to the shooting, but no evidence was found for said claim.Caliz convicted [19]
29 Sep 2003Frederick Espinoza Toledo (Punta Negra)Police were called to Espinoza's residence after an altercation with his uncle, and reportedly found him armed with a machete. Witnesses reported that officers flung stones at Espinoza and then fatally shot him four times as he tried to flee. Espinoza was believed to have been suffering from a mental illness.? [n 25]
10 Sep 2003Aaron Mariano Belize (Belize) Mariano was shot and killed by BDF private Giovanni Gutierrez while on a routine patrol with police (including constable Dennis Palacio). Press reported Mariano was unarmed and fleeing (as the patrol tried to detain him) when Gutierrez shot him in the back of the head.Gutierrez and Palacio convicted; overturned on appeal; case dropped [n 26]
20 Aug 2003Mark Stuart Belize (Hattieville) Stuart was shot and killed by corrections officers at Central Prison, allegedly upon attacking an officer with a knife and refusing to back down despite a warning shot fired into his leg. Media reported Stuart was shot 49 times.Investigative outcome unclear [n 27]
17 Jun 2003Kirk Belisle Belize (Hattieville) Belisle (a burglarly convict) was stabbed and killed by convicted murder Phillip Tillett, who had 'walked past security and left the maximum-security section' of Central Prison to do so. Corrections officers denied seeing the stabbing.? [n 28]
14 Jun 2003Darnell McDonald (28) Belize (Ladyville) McDonald was shot in the neck and killed by police constable Sherwood Wade when police officers fired into a crowd outside Celina's Nightclub. Officers alleged the crowd fired on them as they tried to detain McDonald.Wade convicted, $15,000 fine [n 29]
7 Jun 2003Ruben Alarcon Belize (Caye Caulker) An unarmed Alarcon, who had come to the station seeking the release of two friends, was shot in the back of the head at close range by police constable Sheldon Arzu. When he fell, Alarcon was reportedly again shot at close range.Arzu convicted, 13 years' prison [n 30]
30 Dec 2002Albert Pennil Belize (Belize) Pennil was shot and killed outside a restaurant, with police constable Kevin Alvarez and his two brothers arrested on suspicion of murder.Alvarez charged; charges dropped [n 31]
27 Sep 2002Alfredo Chen, Seriano Choc Toledo (Otoxha)Chen and Choc were shot and killed in a confrontation with two police officers, while the latter (with two forestry officers) tried to confiscate illegally logged mahogany. The machete-wielding villagers allegedly formed a mob of 30 which advanced on the officers.Inquiry clears officers [n 32]
6 Jul 2002Gian Godoy (22) Belize (Hattieville) Godoy, a diabetic inmate in Central Prison, died of diabetes-related complications. The lack of a duty nurse on weekends is thought to have contributed to the death.? [20]
9 Jan 2002Kirk Thompson (22), Edmund Velasquez Belize (Maskall) The bodies of Thompson and Velasquez were found in Northern River on 9 January. An autopsy found they had died of drowning, with no sign of foul play. Their family were convinced police had killed them, and several members of the Police Department had told press 'the two men would never be taken alive.'Investigative outcome not clear [n 33]
22 Nov 2001Jesus Ramirez Solano (61), Jesus Ramirez Icho, Virgilio Ramirez Icho Toledo (San Vicente)A Guatemalan farmer (Ramirez Solano) and his two sons were shot and killed by soldiers during a BDF-police border patrol. Soldiers alleged the father approached with a machete and did not stop when ordered.Investigative findings differed; inquiry clears officers [n 34]
Oct 2001George Hyde Cayo (Benque Viejo) Hyde, whom police apparently suspected of drug dealing, was shot and killed by police officers after he refused to stop at a police checkpoint at the town's entrance. Officers claimed Hyde had fired at them first. Hyde's family contested this, noting Hyde had bruises on his face, and noting there were no bullet holes in his car, nor blood in the front seat.Investigation clears officers [21]
31 Aug 2001Frederick Reynolds (18) Belize (Crooked Tree) Police constable Marvin Vernon shot and killed Reynolds, apparently as revenge for testimony against Vernon in a police brutality case on 13 August. The constable claimed their gun went off accidentally, but a witness already in custody stated that he saw Vernon throw Reynolds into a police vehicle, beat him, pull out their service pistol, and shoot Reynolds in the chest.Vernon convicted, $5,000 fine and 9 months' prison [n 35]
19 Aug 2000Leslie Smith Belize (Belize) Smith was reportedly killed by two police officers while they attempted to arrest him on East Collet Canal. The officers claimed Smith was armed with a knife, but witnesses apparently contested this.Investigative outcome not clear [n 36]
17 Mar 2000Cecil Ramirez Belize (Hattieville) An inmate was shot and killed by a corrections officer during a prison riot of some 300–400 inmates (protesting 16 March floggings) at Central Prison.Inquest outcome not clear [n 37]
24 Feb 2000Kelvin Barrow (24) Belize (Belize) Barrow drowned after being chased into the sea off Port Loyola by a machete-wielding off-duty police officer.Inquest outcome not clear [n 38]
24 Jan 2000Samuel Ramirez Cayo (Chiquibul Forest) Ramirez, a Guatemalan farmer, was shot and killed by six soldiers near the border, purportedly after attacking the soldiers.Inquiry clears soldiers [22]

See also

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ↑ 5 k.
  2. ↑ S 23; S 21; Am 23i; Lpz, p. 5.
  3. ↑ Am d; 7 b.
  4. ↑ S 19.
  5. ↑ S 17; Am c; Am o; 7 d.
  6. ↑ S 17.
  7. ↑ Sun b; Am s.
  8. ↑ S 14; Am t; 7 f; Am z.
  9. ↑ S 13; 7 g.
  10. ↑ Am t; 7 h.
  11. ↑ Sun a.
  12. ↑ S 10; Am x; 7 j.
  13. ↑ S 09.
  14. ↑ Am a; Am b.
  15. ↑ S 09.
  16. ↑ Am a; 7 m; 5 c.
  17. ↑ S 05; S 06; 5 j.
  18. ↑ Lpz, p. 5; 7 n.
  19. ↑ S 04; S 07.
  20. ↑ S 02; 5 i.
  21. ↑ A 02; S 02.
  22. ↑ S 00; Am z.
  1. ↑ In Belize, military officers sometimes act in a domestic law enforcement capacity. Complete lists of killings by law enforcement officers in Belize are not officially published, so this article relies on media and unofficial reports. Notes and short citations provided in Nb columns. Short citations in the form A yy refer to Amnesty, yyyy report, sec Belize. Short citations in the form S yy refer to State, report for yyyy, sec Belize. Short citations in the form Am yy refer to Am ae, review for yyyy (or for split reviews, Am yyi refer to the first part of the review, Am yyii refer to second part, and so on).
  2. ↑ S 23; Am e. Surnamed Chi in S 23.
  3. ↑ Am 23i; Am 24i; Am ad. Plus Yemi Alberto shot and wounded (Am ad).
  4. ↑ S 23; Am f. A third police officer, Tessa Stuart, was charged with perverting the course of justice due to false testimony and likewise suspended (S 23).
  5. ↑ S 23; S 22; Am g; Am l. Four officers (inspector Isaias Sanchez, sergeant Rosario Romero, constable Errol Peralta, constable Alrick Borland) originally charged with manslaughter, but charges against Sanchez and Romero dropped in June 2023 (S 23; S 22; Am l). Family settled a wrongful death suit in August 2023 (S 23).
  6. ↑ S 21; Am h; Am i. Morales charged with aggravated assault and false testimony, and with further disciplinary charges for a police tribunal (S 21). Alcoser charged with false testimony (S 21). Named Jessie in S 21.
  7. ↑ S 20; Am j; HRC; 7 a. Roca's family noted Roca was denied service by their local public health facility (S 20). UNIBAM claimed the cause of death was inconclusive, though the police claimed it was HIV/AIDS complications (S 20; 7 a). A police officer who recorded and published video of Roca's abuse was internally disciplined for 'an act of prejudice to good order and discipline,' though Roca had called for the video to be taken down (S 20; Am j; 7 a). Named Ulysses Terry in Am j. Named Ulysses Roca Terry and Ulysease Roca in HRC.
  8. ↑ S 22; S 20; S 19; Lpz, pp. 5, 13. Judge advised jury to return a not guilty verdict for lack of forensic evidence by prosecution (S 22). As of November 2022, Martinez awaited a police tribunal trial concerning five other disciplinary charges (S 22).
  9. ↑ S 18; Am k; 7 c. Case dismissed in September 2018 due to case file's being lost (S 18). The police officer was Lennart Cajun (Am k). The seven soldiers were Francis Sho, Baldimir Escarraga, Patrick Francis Sr, Elvis Cobb, Patrick Vallagran, Elmer Petillo, Patrick Diego, and Mateo Bolon (Am k). The soldiers and officer were further charged with the attempted murder of Oscar Peyres, who was also beaten with Salazar and Noe Sanchez (Am k; 7 c).
  10. ↑ S 18; Am m; Am n. Family compensated on AG's ruling incident an unlawful killing (S 18).
  11. ↑ S 17; Am p; 7 e. Officers not suspended despite ongoing investigation (S 17).
  12. ↑ S 16; Am aa. The minor's father (Carlos Alvarado Ramirez, 48) and sibling (Carlos Alvarado Ruado, 12) 'received minor injuries' (Am aa).
  13. ↑ S 22; S 16; Am q; UJ. Convicted for murder on 3 October 2022 (S 22). Police Department admitted administrative neglect by station's commanding officer (S 16).
  14. ↑ S 19; S 15; Am r. Misdated July 2015 in S 15.
  15. ↑ S 14; Am u. Internal investigation found no intention to injure or kill Williams, and determined police used justifiable force (S 14).
  16. ↑ Am t; 5 a; Am z. Located in Cayo (Chiquibul Forest) by Am z.
  17. ↑ S 12; Am v. S 12 call Young a 'notorious gang leader.' Am v name him 'reputed leader of the Taylor’s Alley Gang.'
  18. ↑ Am t; 7 i; Am w; ; Am z. Misdated February 2012 in Am t. Surnamed Chioc Chub in Am z.
  19. ↑ S 10; 7 k. Misdated March 2010 in S 10.
  20. ↑ S 10; Am y; 5 b. A constable was further charged with abetment to commit manslaughter (S 10). Mislocated in Ladyville, Belize, in S 10.
  21. ↑ S 10. BDF suggested death was due to negligent medical care (S 10).
  22. ↑ S 10; 7 l. Galvez's family reported police harassment and threats, but inquiry found no evidence of professional misconduct, despite reporting irregularities and breaches of standing orders (S 10).
  23. ↑ S 08; S 10; 7 p; Am ac. Court instructed jury to find constable not guilty following successful no case motion by defence (S 10). Named Alex in 7 p.
  24. ↑ S 08; Am ab. Misdated October 2007 in S 08.
  25. ↑ A 04; 5 d. Surnamed Espinosa in 5 d.
  26. ↑ S 03; S 05; S 06. There were reports that Gutierrez had acted under orders (S 03). Gutierrez and police constable Dennis Palacio convicted 18 May 2005, but both appealed; appeals court overturned convictions in March 2006, ordering retrial; family accepted $5,000 compensation to close case (S 05; S 06). Misdated 2002 in S 05, S 06.
  27. ↑ S 03. Led to guards swapping weapons for stun guns and pepper spray (S 03).
  28. ↑ S 03. Tillett was charged with murder (S 03).
  29. ↑ A 04; S 03; S 05; Lpz, p. 5. Plus two crowd members shot and injured (S 03). The 20 July 2005 sentencing ($4,000 fine) appealed by DPP for being unduly lenient; appeals court sentenced Wade in June 2006 to $15,000 fine or nine months' prison in case of default (S 05; S 06). Dated 16 June in Lpz, p. 5.
  30. ↑ A 04; S 03; S 05; Lpz, p. 5; 7 j; 7 o. Named Reuben in S 05.
  31. ↑ S 02; S 03; S 04. Alvarez had been dismissed in November 2001 (for a number of complaints, including 'his alleged involvement in a lethal shooting and a beheading,' but rehired in early 2002 (S 02).
  32. ↑ A 03; S 02; S 03. Plus three villagers shot and wounded (A 03). Family compensated by end 2002 (S 02). Dated October 2002 in A 03. Surnamed Alfredo Teck in S 03.
  33. ↑ S 02; S 03; 5 h. Thompson and Velasquez were suspected of murdering a police officer, a security guard, and a businessman, and injuring another police officer (S 02).
  34. ↑ A 03; S 01; ; Am z. December 2001 OAS mission found the killings unlawful, but 2002 Belizean commission of inquiry found officers had acted in self-defence (A 03). On 18 December 2001, the OAS mission recommended families be compensated and joint patrol members be suspended 'pending a judicial investigation to determine culpability' (S 01). Family offered $96,000 in ex gratia payments in May 2002 (A 03; Am z).
  35. ↑ A 02; S 02; S 03; 5 e. Statements forwarded to DPP by end of 2001 (A 02). Named Fredrick in 5 e.
  36. ↑ A 01; 5 f. Named Les in 5 f.
  37. ↑ A 01; S 00; S 02. Plus three inmates shot and injured (A 01). Ombudsman found officer delinquent, but parliamentary committee and DPP could not, though latter forwarded case to coroner's inquest (S 01). Inquest delayed after September 2002 courthouse fire destroyed files (S 02).
  38. ↑ S 00; 5 g. Ombudsman and DPP found no evidence for charges, but latter referred case to coroner's inquest; family sued in civil court (S 01). Inquest delayed after September 2002 courthouse fire destroyed files (S 02).

References

  1. "Gay Man Dies, Family Says Police Abuse Played a Role". 7 News. Belize. 20 April 2020.
  2. "Burglar Gets Ten Years". 7 News. Belize. 25 April 2012.
  3. "Eight Lawmen Arraigned for Murder". 7 News. Belize. 26 February 2018.
  4. "Customs Officer Charged for Manslaughter in Contraband Search Gone Bad". 7 News. Belize. 30 August 2017.
  5. "When will Police Finalize Case of Richard Allen Garcia?". 7 News. Belize. 23 June 2017.
  6. "Guatemalan Killed Inside Chiquibul: Joint National Press Release Issued". 7 News. Belize. 31 March 2014.
  7. "Shot by Cops with an AR-15, Burglar Dies". 7 News. Belize. 19 April 2013.
  8. "Bze-Guat Diplomatic Standoff, Hon. Elrington: 'It is a Crisis'". 7 News. Belize. 12 October 2012.
  9. "Bze Security Forces Kill Guatemalan: MFA Says he was in Belize". 7 News. Belize. 1 February 2012.
  10. "A Cop Kills on Caye Caulker". 7 News. Belize. 10 May 2010.
  11. "Family of Murdered Deacon Accuses Police of Murder". 7 News. Belize. 1 March 2010.
  12. "Execution of Chris Galvez". 7 News. Belize. 23 December 2009.
  13. "The Tower Hill Casualty". 7 News. Belize. 3 February 2009.
  14. "Ex-Cop Aldo Ayuso Charged for Killing Leslie Rogers Jr". 7 News. Belize. 29 March 2006.
  15. "Constable Gets 13 Years for Killing 'Pony' Alarcon". 7 News. Belize. 6 December 2005.
  16. "Police Use Deadly Force on Alex Herrera; His Family Says 'Unjustified!'". 7 News. Belize. 4 August 2008.
  17. "Onario Oba, 19, Dies; Innocent Bystander, Says Dad". Amandala. Belize. 16 June 2009.
  18. "Customs Officer Charged for Manslaughter". Amandala. Belize. 22 August 2014.
  19. "Dwayne Almendarez, 31, Succumbs to Customs Officer's Bullets". Amandala. Belize. 23 August 2017.
  20. "Biggest Jailbreak in Belizean History!". Amandala. Belize. 17 October 2020.
  21. "OW Teen Killed by Cops". Amandala. Belize. 29 March 2023.
  22. "Hemophiliac, 25, Dies Two Weeks After Police Beating". Amandala. Belize. 24 December 2022.
  23. "Four Officers Arraigned for Derrick Uh's Death". Amandala. Belize. 20 August 2022.
  24. "Year in Review 2021 – Part 3". Amandala. Belize. 15 January 2022.
  25. "Off-Duty BDF Killed by Fellow Soldier". Amandala. Belize. 8 September 2021.
  26. "Ulysses Terry Found Dead in Willows Bank". Amandala. Belize. 22 April 2020.
  27. "7 BDF Soldiers and a Cop Arraigned on Murder and Attempted Murder Charges". Amandala. Belize. 28 February 2018.
  28. "2 Cops Charged for Derrick Uh's Death Go Free". Amandala. Belize. 5 July 2023.
  29. "Leela Vernon's Grandson Shot Dead". Amandala. Belize. 17 January 2018.
  30. "Policeman Arraigned on Manslaughter Charge for Killing Mario 'Jun Jun' Vernon". Amandala. Belize. 20 January 2018.
  31. "Customs Officer Rudolph Williams Charged with Manslaughter". Amandala. Belize. 2 September 2017.
  32. "'Rambo' Cops Kill Richard Garcia, 44". Amandala. Belize. 14 June 2017.
  33. "Three San Pedro Cops Remanded for Murder". Amandala. Belize. 12 March 2016.
  34. "2 Caye Caulker Cops Charged with Murder". Amandala. Belize. 12 June 2015.
  35. "Coast Guard Kill 'Playadores;' Two Others Escape". Amandala. Belize. 16 December 2014.
  36. "Guat Farmer Shot Dead in Chiquibul". Amandala. Belize. 1 April 2014.
  37. "Mentally Challenged Man, Shot in the Leg, Dies of the Injury". Amandala. Belize. 25 February 2014.
  38. "City's 2 Top Dons Shot Dead in 48 Hours". Amandala. Belize. 24 April 2012.
  39. "Flashpoint at Chiquibul". Amandala. Belize. 2 February 2012.
  40. "Cop Shot Handicapped Prisoner in the Forehead?". Amandala. Belize. 10 May 2010.
  41. "Jamaican Shot to Death by Police". Amandala. Belize. 16 February 2010.
  42. "Armed Attacks Upon BDF Led to 10 Fatal Shootings of Guatemalans: Commander David Jones". Amandala. Belize. 30 April 2016.
  43. "Guatemalan Minor Killed in Crossfire, but not by BDF: OAS Report". Amandala. Belize. 27 August 2016.
  44. "Another Controversial, Fatal Shooting by Police on San Pedro". Amandala. Belize. 2 November 2007.
  45. "No Case to Answer for Cop Richard Polonio, Accused in 2008 Shooting Death of Carmen Alexander Herrera". Amandala. Belize. 26 February 2010.
  46. "Elmer Nah Triple-Murder Case Begins". Amandala. Belize. 20 April 2025.
  47. "Year in review". Amandala. Belize City. 2004–2024.
  48. "Reaction from Across the Border on Guatemalan Killed by B.D.F." News 5. Belize. 20 July 2012.
  49. "Officers Charged for the Death of Jamaican National". News 5. Belize. 11 May 2010.
  50. "Family of Slain Canero Wants Justice". News 5. Belize. 23 April 2010.
  51. "Cop Shoots Machete Man in Punta Negra". News 5. Belize. 29 September 2003.
  52. "Crooked Tree Teen Shot Dead by Police". News 5. Belize. 3 September 2001.
  53. "Suspect Killed After Police Chase". News 5. Belize. 21 August 2000.
  54. "Drowning in Port Loyola". News 5. Belize. 24 February 2000.
  55. "Thompson Dead, Questions Abound". News 5. Belize. 10 January 2002.
  56. "Remanded to Prison; Dead of Diabetes". News 5. Belize. 8 July 2002.
  57. "Police Officer Kills Teen, Claims Self-Defence". News 5. Belize. 22 August 2005.
  58. "More Questions Arise in the Death of Kevin de Paz". News 5. Belize. 1 July 2025.
  59. "Three Dead in Shootout on Northern Ambergris Caye". San Pedro Sun. Belize. 9 July 2012.
  60. "Shootout Between Civilians and Coast Guard Leaves One Dead". San Pedro Sun. Belize. 15 December 2014.
  61. "Belize". The Law on Police Use of Force. South Africa: University of Johannesburg. 2025.
  62. Amnesty Intl (1962–2025). Amnesty International Report (Annual NGO report). London: Amnesty Intl.
  63. HRC (27 April 2020). "The Human Rights Commission of Belize is Deeply Disturbed by the Events that Transpired in Police Detention Prior to the Passing of Ulysses Roca Terry" (Press release). Belize. Human Rights Commission.
  64. Lopez M (20 July 2021). "Child Victim – Individual or Systemic Flaw?". Amandala. No. 3475. Belize. pp. 5, 13.
  65. Pham D, Pham G, Pham P, Sikkink K, Thoms OT, Vinck P (30 April 2024). "Belize". TJET Database of Transitional Justice Mechanisms, 1970–2020 (Scholarly database). Toronto.
  66. US State Dept (1977–2025). Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (Annual statutory report). Washington, DC: GPO. HathiTrust 000062477.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.