It's been quiet on the crime front ever since a gang truce was declared early this month. But the quiet ended last night, when two men were murdered and a third seriously injured. Now, police say they have the man who pulled the trigger. At around 10 pm last night 18-year-old Elroy Flowers, 23-year-old Adrian Espinoza, and 27-year-old Michael Goff were inside Flowers' home playing a video game when a lone gunman entered and opened fire. More than seven shots were fired. Flowers received injuries to his head and left arm. Espinoza was shot in his head and back and Goff was shot in his left chest, left ear, right wrist, and left arm. Flowers and Espinoza died shortly after while Goff is critical.
It was a ruthless assault and Amil Betancourt was this afternoon charged for the murders. Police aren't sure of the motive but CIB Chief Superintendent Chester Williams says good police work and assistance from the public led to the quick arrest.
Supt. Chester Williams, C.I.B. Chief
"Police investigations into the matter so far have revealed that around 10:15, more or less last night, these three persons were inside the apartment complex, one of the apartments on the lower flat, when a lone gunman came into the apartment building and fired several shots at the three persons who were inside the building. Subsequent to that, all mentioned persons received injuries as had been described earlier. As a result of the investigation, we have this afternoon formally arrested and charged Jamal Betancourt for two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, one count of dangerous harm, and one count of use of deadly means of harm. He will be arraigned at the Belize City Magistrate's Court this afternoon.
In investigations we try to look at every possible motive and at this point in time, as I mentioned before, we have not arrived at a clear motive so I will not comment as to the question you are asking."
Betancourt was arraigned in court this afternoon and was remanded to the Hattieville Prison until February 2nd.
