Woman and child fatally shot in Belize Market
In an incident that unfolded at the Belmopan Market Day Plaza in Belize, law enforcement officials have detained an individual following the tragic shooting of a woman and a child in broad daylight on Tuesday.
Eyewitness account
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Suzette Anderson, confirmed the devastating deaths. A chilling video circulated on social media depicted the aftermath, revealing a woman motionless on the ground and a young girl lying in the pan of a pickup truck.
The footage also captured a bloodied boy, screaming in agony from the gunshot wounds inflicted upon him.
According to an eyewitness who spoke on television, the family was enjoying a moment together, indulging in ice cream when the tranquility shattered with the sound of gunfire.
Recounting the harrowing scene, the witness described how the assailant pursued the woman, firing shots relentlessly.
The chaos escalated as the gunman targeted the children, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake.
Tragic loss of lives
Assistant Commissioner Anderson provided grim details, confirming the identities of the deceased. The victims, believed to be from the Netherlands, were a mother and her two children.
Reports are that the 11-year-old girl and her mother succumbed to their injuries, while the eight-year-old boy fights for his life in the hospital.
Haitian American resort owner in custody
The authorities swiftly acted, detaining the suspected shooter, identified as a Haitian American residing in Belize.
The individual, purportedly the owner of a resort in the Belmopan area, was apprehended along with the firearm used in the heinous act. Investigations are underway as law enforcement endeavors to unravel the motive behind this senseless violence.
Leaders extend condolences
As news of the tragedy reverberates through the community, newly elected Mayor Pablo Cawich expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “an unfortunate event” and offering heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Briceño conveyed his condolences to the families of Stephanie Lindo and Oswald Garbutt, who tragically lost their lives in a separate incident.
Mrs. Lindo-Garbutt, employed as the City Administrator, leaves behind a profound legacy, her absence keenly felt by all who knew her.
