Our next story of a fireman’s senseless murder would have been a headline on any other night. Last night in Orange Walk a 39 year old fireman and the father of 3 was murdered as he sat in a bar. It was an armed robbery and should have ended there but when the fireman tried to stop it that’s when he stepped in the way of trouble. Jacqueline Godwin went to Orange Walk to find out more.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
Thirty nine year old Michael Wills has been fighting fires for the past eight years and only recently was featured on CTV3 giving fire safety tips to primary school students but on Thursday night his life came to a tragic and an abrupt end after he tried to stop a robbery in progress. Investigations reveal that the fireman who was on a day off had parked his red pickup truck to the back
of the fire station building just after ten last night. Wills then walked across the street and into the Cool Place Restaurant and Pub.
Wills was reportedly leaning over the counter drinking a beer when the shooter described as a dark complexioned man wearing a grey raincoat with the hood over his head and armed with what appeared to be a nine milimeter pistol entered the establishment. It is not certain what happened inside the building but shortly after there was the sound of gunshots.
Officer in Charge of the Orange Walk Fire Station Orin Smith says when he heard the noise and then learned who had been killed he could not believe that it was one of their own.
Orin Smith, Officer in Charge of O.W. Fire Station
“There three shots fired, at least we heard three shots and as you can see the establishment is about less than 200 feet from the Fire Department so we heard three shots. Whether all struck him or what I don’t know but he was lying on the floor, apparently lifeless, when we went over there.”
Wills was shot to the left side of the chest. Sergeant Selvin Tillet and Inspector of Police and the Deputy Officer in charge of Orange Walk says their investigations reveal that there was a struggle between the shooter and the victim.
Sgt Selvin Tillett, Orange Walk Police
“As I understand it there was altercation between the gunman and Mr. Willis. The details I don’t know at this moment so I don’t want to divulge at this moment but initial indications are that yes there was some fight, a struggle between Willis and the perpetrator.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
How many shots were fired?
Sgt Selvin Tillett,
“Witnesses say they heard about two shots.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
And he was hit how many times?
Sgt Selvin Tillett,
“As I said we saw so far one shot on the left side of his chest.”
The gunman reportedly had stolen $300 from the establishment. It is not clear if that is what started the struggle but police have been questioning a number of persons they believe can help them solve the case.
Jacqueline Godwin,
Any suspects at this time, anybody detained?
Sgt Selvin Tillett,
“We have people, about persons that we feel they can assist us in this investigation. So as I said we are still investigating and at this moment we are still looking for more leads. We request the public at large, if they
know anything that can assist the police please come forward and assist us.”
Orin Smith,
“I’ve worked with him for two years in Belize City, approximately. He was always a cheerful young man, always has a smile, doesn’t seem to bother people much but very lively young fellow to be around. It is very tragic, it is very unfortunate and I know his family will definitely miss him. Our condolences go out to the family for this tragic incident and the untimely death of one of our very own fire fighter and brother. He will surely be missed by his co-workers.”
Reporting for 7NEWS Jacqueline Godwin.
Wills was married and was the father of three children. Police have detained four men.
