And after working swiftly to make the arrest, police have also recovered the murder weapon. Jacqueline Godwin visited police to find out more.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
Police say an AK-47 like this was used to kill thirty three year old Belize City businessman Kirk Smith. Today inspector of police and the officer in charge of Crimes Investigation Branch Julio Valdez told 7NEWS they not only know the type of weapon used but the gun is now in their possession along with some rounds of ammunition.
ASP Julio Valdez, CIB
“We believe it is an AK47, a high powered rifle, that is what we recovered already. Thanks to the public out there we have recovered that firearm in question and it was an AK47.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
Where was the weapon recovered?
ASP Julio Valdez,
“Close nearby in the same area, by the Turneffe Island area.”
While Kirk Smith’s family and friends believe the homicide is as a result
of jealousy the police say preliminary investigations suggest that it was a long time misunderstanding that may have led to the murder.
ASP Julio Valdez,
“From investigations up to now, they had some kind of misunderstanding from before, I cannot at this time tell you whether it was jealousy, but they were fishermen and they had some misunderstanding before there, some threats being hurled against one another and we believe because of this and the misunderstanding they had before, he was murdered out there.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
Do police believe Marcus Moh to be the triggerman and just how strong is the evidence against him?
ASP Julio Valdez,
“From up to now, from what investigations reveal, we have detained this person. He has been arrested and charged for the murder and at this point we have strong evidence to say that he is the triggerman.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
Witnesses say there was another individual inside the boat along with Mr. Marcus Moh, how close is the police in capturing this other individual and others who may be involved?
ASP Julio Valdez,
“Well we are continuing the investigation and we are aware, we know who that other person is, and we’re looking into it.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
Is the investigation indicating that this may have been a hit on Mr. Kirk Smith ordered by another person?
ASP Julio Valdez,
“At this time I won’t be able to say that but the investigation revealed there was a misunderstanding between these people and the other people.”
Police have no significant leads on the other person who was allegedly with Moh.
