A teenaged boy was murdered in Cayo on Christmas Eve and police say their prime suspect is only 16 years old. Close to midnight on December 24th on Burns Avenue in San Ignacio Town, 18-year-old Chris Rosales was savaged by stab wounds from a gang of 15 people. The official report from police is that Chris was along with Kenny Gonzalez, 17-year-old Justin Rodriquez, and Prince Lockwood outside a popular club in the heart of the town when they were attacked. Gonzalez was stabbed in his stomach and back while Rodriquez was stabbed on his right arm. Chris Rosales was cornered and stabbed in his back, his chest, and stomach. He died a short while later. His aunt Helen Rosales says Chris was ambushed by an out of control gang and he stood no chance.
Helen Rosales, Aunt of Deceased
"My nephew was attacked because of the fact that he had on a shirt with a little piece of red in it and he couldn't help himself. There were like a gang of fifteen boys and I understand there were four females with them as well and they just held him. They bat him first with a bottle and when he tried to defend himself, that's when they started stabbing him."
Keith Swift Reporting,
For what reason?
Helen Rosales,
"Well it seems for no apparent reasons at all. Eyewitnesses are saying that these young people, they just have a problem--with one side of the bridge having a problem with another side of the bridge in Cayo. Majority of people are saying that they're in a situation, it seems, that the police are afraid of these people and that there isn't much intervention being done to curve this because this is something that is happening over and over and over and over."
Keith Swift,
Is your nephew someone who has had a lot of run-ins with the law?
Helen Rosales,
"Absolutely none. He doesn't even live in Cayo. My nephew lives in Sandhill. He just went to Cayo because his mom lives in Cayo, he stays in Sandhill with us and his grandmother. He went to Cayo just to spend a couple days. He wanted to spend the holiday weekend there, he was even shopping for gifts for his little brothers and sisters.
My nephew is like a son. My nephew is like a son. I guess we'll have to move on but the pain will not move on."
Kennylee Gonzalez and Justin Rodriquez were both hospitalized for their injuries. Police have detained one suspect for the murder. He is reportedly 16 years old.
