The Belize government said it is “saddened” by the death of a United States visitor to the country last weekend, saying the killing “has rocked not only her family, but the entire peaceful community and nation.”
Prime Minister John Briceño in a statement described the situation as “the random act of terrorism” in San Pedro, the killing J’Bria Michelle Bowens requires that “justice be delivered is the only comfort for her family and community”.
He said the government has directed Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams,” himself to lead the hunt for those who perpetrated this senseless act”.
Briceño said the investigation involving specialized police units has already commenced and suspects had been detained.
“While the outrage in the community and across the country is palpable and justified, certainly fueled by the sheer senselessness of the act and its impact on tourism, we note that this is a remote, random act of violence. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined police presence and solid community support.
“We ask, in the wake of this terrible crime, that the community continue to stand with the police in cracking down on any and every instance of criminal activity on the island, and that in this instance specifically, the police be allowed to operate without hindrance in bringing to justice those responsible for this heinous act,” Prime Minister Briceño added.
The United States Embassy in confirming the death of the visitor on Sunday, said it was closely monitoring the local investigation.
Williams told 7 News Belize that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination.
“The tourist was not the intended target, it just so happened she was in the line of fire between these two factions,” adding that the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target was a local gang leader.
Bowens was a nursing student at Louisiana State University.
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