Body found at Pedro's Inn

The body of 42-year-old Michael Donald Virgin, a resident of Illinois, USA, was found in Room 3 of Pedro's Inn at approximately 11:00am.

No visible signs of violence were found on the man's body, and Police do not suspect foul play. Dr. Otto Rodriguez pronounced him dead.

According to the Police, he was last seen on Monday when he checked into the inn.

The man's body has been transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Police continue their investigation.

Altercation leaves one hospitalized

After an altercation in the San Pedrito area in San Pedro, A.C. left one man hospitalized; three individuals have been arrested in connection to the incident. Mr. Roland Ford was hospitalized following a chopping/stabbing incident on Thursday morning.

The three detained are Mr. Miguel Martinez, Mr. Joel Vasquez and Ms. Vanessa Hall. The incident is said to have occurred at the residence of Miguel Martinez. Sources inform The San Pedro Sun that on Wednesday April 6th, Mr. Martinez reported to the San Pedro Police Department that he was being threatened. Then on Thursday morning at around 1:00am, Mr. Roland Ford went to the residence of Mr. Martinez after a night of socializing at a popular bar/nightspot. An argument ensued during which Mr. Martinez was able to unarm Mr. Ford, and using the same weapon, inflicted two stab wounds. Ford persisted and this led to him receiving two chop wounds at the hands of Mr. Martinez.

Mr. Ford’s injuries are described as one stab wound to the right side of his neck, a stab wound to his left cheek, one chop wound to his left elbow that was so severe as to cause a fracture, plus a chop wound to his left arm. Ford bled profusely and lost consciousness. He was rushed to Ambergris Hope’s Clinic where he was attended by Dr. Daniel Gonzalez. He was released from Dr. Gonzalez’ care at 3:30am after the bleeding was stopped and he was stabilized. He was then transported to the San Pedro PolyClinic II where he was under the care of Dr. Zuniga until he was airlifted to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital at 5:30 on Thursday morning.

Police continue investigating, and no charges have been levied against the detained.

Stabbing Incident Reported

Reports are that a male person was stabbed at approximately 1am this morning in the San Pedrito Area of San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. The man is listed as in critical condition, and was airlifted to the mainland for further treatment. Police investigations continue into the matter.

Body found...

The body of a 66 year old American national was discovered this morning. According to Dr. Daniel Gonzalez, cause of death is "natural causes"...we will keep you updated as more details become available.

Congratulations San Mateo Bombers - 6-a-side Tournament Champions!!

The 6-a-side football team San Mateo Bombers took home the top honors this past Sunday when they became the tournament champions. Having bested out the SP Police team (2nd Place), as well as other teams like the Fire Blazers, Tropic Air, SP Strikers, Mario's Boys and Mata Chica Bombers, San Mateo took the lead and 1st place trophy.

Councilor Joseph Elijio was on hand to aid Miss San Pedro Natasha Stuart, as well as Deputy Mayor Pablo Ico in handing out the trophies to the winners. Congratulations once more, and job well done!!!

As always, big up to the referees who were on hand for all the games!

Businesswoman found dead

At around 12:27pm, The San Pedro Sun received a call that the body of a businesswoman, namely Karen Sue Brown of Isla Bonita Gallery and Frame shop had been found inside her place of business on Coconut Drive.

Police were called to the scene, and they are currently processing the area.

Crocodile Confiscated

On Thursday December 23rd at around 10:00am, Vince Rose and Cherie Chenot-Rose of ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) received a phone call from the San Pedro Police Department informing them that the Police had confiscated a small American Crocodile. According to information received from the police, a man was seen walking in the San Mateo area, with the crocodile. The man was informed by the police officer of the risk he runs by having the crocodile in his possession. The police then took the crocodile and placed it in the care of the ACES team.

According to Biologist Chenot-Rose, the croc appeared to have been a captive animal as it was suffering from a condition called Belly Rot – Brown Spotting Disease, which is prevalent in ill kept crocs. The croc measured 40 inches (3ft 4in) and weighed about 10 pounds. There was a mark where it appeared to have been hooked in the back. The ACES team administered medical attention to the confiscated crocodile and held it under observation for 12 hours after which it was tagged and re-released into a small canal on the southern end of the island near the Port Authority.

The general public is reminded that it is ILLEGAL under the Laws of Belize Wildlife Protection Act, to capture, feed, harass or handle, or have in your possession any parts of a crocodile (including claws, teeth, skulls, skin, including use for jewelry). If caught, the first offence carries a fine of up to $500.00 and the second offence carries a fine of up to a $1000.00 and/or six months imprisonment.

Should you have a problem crocodile in your area, know of people illegally feeding or harassing them, or know of ones that are in illegal captivity you are asked to please call the Belize Forest Department at 822-1524 or ACES at 666-3871 or 631-6366.

One dead in early Sunday shooting

UPDATE:

Francis Alexander Figerroa Cardenas

The San Pedro Police have reason to believe that the gunshot victim - now identified as Francis Alexander Figerroa Cardenas (he was previously using an alias: Bejan Wade)- was beaten at a different location, and then was apparently driven home in a golf cart where he was dropped off in front of his house. He was then shot in the head at least once, although there were multiple shots heard. Quick work by the Police has located the golf cart that is believed was used to transport the victim. Anyone with further information is asked to please contact the San Pedro Police Station (226-2022). Police are looking for two suspects.

At around 6:00am, The San Pedro Sun received a call that a young man lay dying on the street in the San Juan area as a result of a shooting.

He was still alive when daylight broke, and Police scrambled to locate a doctor and nurse, then transported him to the San Pedro Poly Clinic II, where he was officially pronounced dead at 7:15am.

Police have not released the name of the victim, as family has not been notified. However, according to witnesses at the scene of the crime, it is believed that the shooting was the end result of a fight that escalated to yet another senseless murder.

A 9mm shell was found at the scene of the crime.

The bullet mark on the concrete fence where the victim was shot...

Memorial Held for Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez

A crowd gathered at the empty lot near where the body of Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez was found to hold a memorial mass in her honor. Many members of the community joined to celebrate the life of Plaza Gomez, which was cut short on Sunday, October 31st, 2010. Organized by Lady Dixie Bowen, the memorial gathered members of the business community, community activists, well-known public figures, local politicians, hotel industry insiders, Maya Island Air staff, students, teachers, local islanders and Police personnel.

Lady Bowen extended her sympathies to the family of the late Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez, and reiterated that the community as a whole feels the loss of such a young, vibrant life that was taken away much too soon.


The San Pedro Sun also joins in mourning, and we extend our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Maria Antonia. May she rest in peace.

Memorial Invitation

Everyone is invited to come celebrate the life of

Maria Antonia Plaza Gomez

Tuesday @ 3:00pm

Assistance Required!!

Very Important!!!

Assistant Superintendent Arnold, head of San Pedro Police has requested all photographs taken at the SAGA Halloween event be collected.

PLEASE send all photographs to ariadnetrejo@yahoo.com so that they may be collated and handed over to the police.

This is very important! Thank you. Please share this.

SP Water Jets Express has minor incident in Caye Caulker

Several passengers on board SP Water Jets Express were a bit shaken when the boat they were on ran aground in Caye Caulker Village. Apparently the boat was docking at its usual spot in Caye Caulker (west) when the incident occurred. A phone call placed to owner of the company confirmed the minor incident but no details have been released. The Port Authority and Police are heading to the scene to conduct their investigation.

Stolen Boat

Submitted by Dr.Wil Lala -

Around 2 a.m. Sunday, the 11th of July, Wil Lala’s boat was stolen from the Caribbean Villas pier. Toward the south of the island an alert night watchman saw suspicious activity near some of the piers starting at 6 pm. He suspected that the theft of a boat or boats was being planned and alerted several people in the area. He saw three black men in a 23 foot Ponga type white boat with blue trim. One in a red shirt, one with no shirt, one with a black life jacket. Another man was on a wave runner. The thieves got Dr. Lala’s boat, the Gigi, undetected. The boat was padlocked with a heavy chain and there was night security.

The abandoned stolen boat was spotted by a fishing guide early Sunday morning in the mangroves near Congrejo Caye. Everything on board had been taken including two 115 hp 4 stroke Yamaha motors.

Dr. Lala reported the theft to the Police but they were not able to notify the Coast Guard as they did not have the phone number. We called many people and either could not reach them or they did not know it or they were on their boat and didn’t have the number with them. Billy Leslie was able to give us the phone number of the Commissioner of the Port Authority. We left a message on his phone and he responded quickly.

While Dr. Lala was recovering the boat Carols Alejos of Suya Tours went to the Coast Guard and got three phone numbers that can be used to contact the Coast Guard. Others on the island may like to have them in case of an emergency. The numbers are as follows: 626-2631, 205-2173 extension 450 and 225-2186.

Commissioners Flowers of the Port Authority requested that Wil get a copy of the police report when he filed it and FAX it to him to aid in the search for contents of the boat and the engines and perhaps lead to the identity of the thieves. Sunday afternoon when Dr. Lala went in the police office to file a police report he was told that could not be done on a Sunday.

Thanks to an alert guide and with the help of friends the boat was recovered but not the engines, cushions, gas tanks, center consul cover, engine instruments, Eagle 480DF fish and depth finder, Marine radio, two marine batteries (one only 3 days old), fish gaff and push stick.
The Lala's send a special thanks to: Cliff Kirk, Carlos and Suyapa Alejos,Carlos Marin, Billy Leslie, Steve Lee and Marcela Marin.

If you have any more information on this theft please call Dr. Lala at 226-2716.

North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch Inaugurates new Police Substation!!

On Saturday June 5th at 12:00 noon, the North Ambergris Caye Neighorhood Watch held the grand opening of their new Police Substation. Food was provided as well countless fun-filled activities for the entire family. Congratulations to the N.A.C.N.W. for this great accomplishment!!

Caye Caulker shooting leaves one dead, one officer detained

Alpheus Parham

At around 5:20pm on May 9th 2010, P.C. #437, Alpheus Parham and a special constable responded to reports of a male person behaving in a disorderly manner at The Split area in Caye Caulker. As a result, a male person by the name of Alex Goff was detained and escorted to the Police Station.
Shortly after, a second incident occurred at the police station. Acting upon information received, the Police responded to the eastern cell block of the Caye Caulker Police Station where the lifeless body of a dark skinned male person was seen in a sitting position against the wall, suffering from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the forehead.
The body was later identified as one Alex Goff, 31, of #33 Mopan St., Belize City. Initial Investigation revealed that the victim was detained and escorted to the Caye Caulker police station where he was placed inside the cell block for disorderly conduct and assaulting a Police Officer.

After Goff was placed inside the cell, he continued to make noise, and P.C. # 437 Alpheus Parham re-visited the cell block and began speaking to him. The diarist reported hearing a loud bang then immediately saw the officer exit the cell and placed a .38 revolver inside the diarist desk [drawer], subsequently the officer left the station.

The other officer on duty then made checks inside the cell where he reportedly saw the victim bleeding from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the forehead. The body was transported to K.H.M.H. where it awaits a post mortem. The .38 revolver has been recovered. As is customary when a shooting involves a police officer The Office of Internal Affairs and Discipline is conducting an intensive investigation. Officer Parham is detained pending charges.

Headline News: Man dead after attempted masked robbery

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. a single gunshot rang out in the Tres Cocos Area in Ambergris Caye. When police officials arrived at the scene around 10:00 p.m. the body of Lionel Aldana was found dead from a single gunshot wound. The body was transported to the San Pedro Police Department.

Initial police investigations reveal that two men were returning to town from hunting on the northern end of the island when upon reaching the Tres Cocos vicinity a log was seen lying in the middle of the road. The driver stopped the vehicle and got out to investigate. It is alleged that two masked men came out of hiding and the driver, fearing for his life, fired a single gunshot from his licensed gun. Investigations continue into the incident but reliable sources have confirmed that the driver is an employee of the San Pedro Town Council.

Police Press Conference re: Police shooting

Police press conference to be held at 2:00 p.m.

Corporal Gavin Sanchez

The body of deceased Corporal Gavin Sanchez has been removed from the Police Department's compound and placed on a boat. The body is being transported to Belize City where a post mortem examination will be conducted.

Police officials will be having a press conference at the San Pedro Police Department today at 2:00 p.m.

Breaking News: Police Officer shoots one of his own

Sometime after 3 am gun shots broke the still of night. Neighbors claim to have heard up to eight shots and as dawn broke in San Pedro Town reports pouring into our offices state that police corporal Gavin Sanchez, detached to the San Pedro Police Department had lost his life after being fatally wounded by one of his own.

Witnesses report to have seen Corporal Sanchez frequenting one of the local island bars until late at night. Sergeant Paulino Reyes, also of the San Pedro Police Department arrived at the bar’s beachfront location where he met up with Corporal Sanchez. Witnesses claim that Sergeant Reyes was accompanied by two Belize Defense Force soldiers. It is unknown and there are many speculations as to what might have transpired but Corporal Sanchez reportedly intoxicated was transported to the Police Department where he was relieved of his firearm.

Sergeant Paulino Reyes

Reports from officials close to the investigation reveal that the incident unfolded at the police barracks behind the police department. Corporal Sanchez allegedly aggressed Sergeant Reyes who realizing that the corporal was armed opened fire.

Corporal Sanchez, after being shot, fell where he stood in the hallway inside the barracks. Director of the San Pedro Polyclinic Dr. Javier Zuniga pronounced him dead at 3:30 a.m. with the fatal bullet wound being inflicted to Sanchez’s forehead. Police officials have remained tightlipped about the incident but a press conference will be held this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. on the island.

Evening fire partially destroys first floor of San Pedrito building

Fire officials are still investigating the circumstances that caused an evening fire on Thursday on the upper floor of a concrete building. Just after 6:30 yesterday evening, both Police and Fire Officials received a distress call of a fire in the San Pedrito Area of San Pedro Town. First to arrive on the scene were members of the San Pedro Police Department, who happened to be in the area at the time of the fire. They, along with neighbors, brought the fire under control until the Fire Department arrived. When Fire Officials arrived on the scene they noticed that the fire was already under control.

Fire officials fully extinguished the fire shortly after and no one was injured. Officials continue their investigation. Read more in the next week’s issue of The San Pedro Sun.