The air in Belize City remains uneasy tonight as residents have Witnessed a third ruthless murder on the streets in less than 48 Hours and again the victim is a hardworking, upstanding member of the community who came under fatal fire when gunmen tried to rob Him.
Hilberto Aragon was killed by a single gunshot to the heart as He was delivering dry goods in the Junesville area of Lake Independence. Here is a report from the crime scene.
This is the murder scene in the complex area: it was gripped by fear this afternoon after a broad daylight armed robbery turned into cold murder. The Chinese grocery store in front of which deliveryman Hilberto Aragon had been shot was closed and so were eyewitnesses silenced by their fear.
Eyewitness,
"I don't got nothing to say. I didn't hear any shots."
And over at the KHMH there was another story as yet again a family was brought together by a senseless tragedy. Aragon's wife Bernaldina embraced her son with the news that his father was brutally gunned down while doing the job he loved.
[Bernaldina embracing her son in tears]
Based on some off camera accounts and information from police we do know that at about 12:50 this afternoon, Aragon and an assistant had just pulled up in front of Ying Ying Grocery Store in this white truck. He was offloading some rice and other dry goods when witnesses say two men armed and wearing masks pulled up and opened fire. Residents heard two shots but it took only one to kill Aragon. His wife Bernaldina was the first family member to hear the news.
Bernaldina Aragon, Murder Victim's Wife
"I was home and all I know is that his helper came and told me they shot him. He didn't know Hilberto had died and when I got there he was already dead. When I got where he was - he was already dead."
That news was too much for Bernaldina who rushed to the KHMH to see her husband. But she had to be admitted because her blood pressure spiked. She was treated at the KHMH and after cooling down she spoke demanding justice for her dead husband.
Bernaldina Aragon,
"They wanted to thief because what else could it be? He didn't fight with anyone and he didn't have any enemies."
How hard is the loss for you?
Bernaldina Aragon,
"This sudden loss for me...I want to get a message to those people in office: they have to do something about this. Just this morning I sat down and watch the news about the 72 year old that they killed and then the next one they killed. Government only will do something when they touch one of their own. They have to start to hang...start 1, 2, 3, and you will see that it will stop."
Those are strong and you can even say harsh words but then Bernaldina and her family were just dealt an equal brutal blow. A father, uncle, and grandfather murdered in a senseless tragedy.
Hilberto Aragon was 66 and the father of three children. His funeral arrangements are stalled pending the outcome of a post mortem. Police were scouring the crime scene this afternoon and continue to investigate.