Police have made an arrest for Monday afternoon's murder rampage on Euphrates Avenue in which Kevin Parks was killed, while his uncle Charles Moss and a neighbor were seriously wounded. This afternoon police formally charged 21-year-old Aloe Vera Street resident James Escarpeta for murder and attempted murder. They are tonight also searching for Brandon Tillet. Criminal Investigations Branch Chief, Supt. Chester Williams, told us they got a major break in the case today.
Supt. Chester Williams, C.I.B. Chief
"We managed to get a breakthrough in our investigation today thanks to the cooperation of members of the community who assisted us with our investigation and has provided us with vital information that has led to the arrest of one James Escarpeta, who is a resident of Belize City. Escarpeta was charged this afternoon for the murder of Kevin Parks. He was charged for attempted murder of Charles Moss. He was also charged for dangerous harm and the use of deadly means of harm in relation to Charles Moss."
Keith Swift,
You are now looking for Brandon Tillet?
Supt. Chester Williams,
"At this time our investigation is also pointing to another individual,
Brandon Tillet, aka BT, and Brandon Tillet, as far as our investigation is leading us, he was an accomplice in this particular incident and he will be facing similar charges as Escarpeta is facing charges."
Keith Swift,
How about Avondale Trumbach who I know you are looking for?
Supt. Chester Williams,
"Avondale Trumbach, yes, is being sought by the police and we believe that he could assist our investigation. At this point in time I will not say whether or not he will be charged for the murder of Mr. Parks or any crime in relation to that incident but he is definitely wanted by us as we believe he may be able to assist our investigation."
Keith Swift,
Do you believe that James Escarpeta was the shooter?
Supt. Chester Williams,
"From our investigation, we are certain that he was the gunman in relation to the murder of Mr. Parks.
The community's help and support in the solving of this crime was very crucial to the investigation. Over the past few days we've seen improvement in the relationship between the police and the community. People feel more free and more relaxed to come and give us information in regards to our investigations that we conduct on a daily basis. And this is good and I am thankful for it and I ask other members of the community to don't be afraid. If you sit back and allow criminality in our neighborhood then it will continue. If you take a stand to it, then it will curb the situation."
Escarpeta was arraigned in court this afternoon and has been remanded.
