In September, the name Richard Flores dominated the headline. He was the 19 year old accused of throwing a grenade into a crowd in front of the KHMH on carnival day. The grenade never went off, but it was the most dangerous near miss in Belize’s history, and for it, Flores was charged with 13 counts of attempted murder. But after the sensation of the urban terror scare faded and the headlines went away, Flores got bail and has been out awaiting trail. But he’ll never get that trial, because the teenager was killed on Saturday night – by a Chinese business owner who told police he was defending himself when Flores came ready to rob and kill. Jacqueline Godwin has details.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
When 7News arrived on the scene at Tong’s Shop around nine thirty on Saturday night the main door to the establishment was still open, the police were already on the scene and an ambulance was waiting outside of the store. Shortly after, the police emerged carrying a stretcher with the lifeless body of nineteen year old Richard Flores. Initial investigations reveal that Richard Flores and this man identified as thirty three year old Anthony Major had gone to tong’s store to commit a robbery - police believe they did so with the intent to kill.
While the business owners would not speak about what unfolded inside the establishment the report is that just after nine on Saturday night Richard Flores armed with a nine milimeter pistol ran into the store, pointed the gun at the shopkeeper’s head and pulled the trigger two times.
ASP Julio Valdez, CIB Belize City
“I understand when they got in they got there it was just, ‘freeze this is a hold-up’ and as a matter of fact I was made to understand that the person who had the firearm pulled the trigger twice and it snapped.”
When the weapon failed to go off that is when the store-keeper started to struggle
with Flores who then clubbed the grocer in the head with his gun. But the Chinese businessman managed to pull out his own licensed thirty eight revolver and fired it twice at Richard Flores hitting him in the left side of the head and eyebrow. Flores died on the spot. Police later recovered a 9mm pistol without serial number containing a magazine with 4 live rounds.
And while his accomplice was fighting for his life, Anthony Major reportedly jumped over the counter and stole some money but as he ran outside the store he was nabbed by a police officer who was in the immediate area and responded quickly to the shooting. Police recovered the stolen cash from him.
ASP Julio Valdez,
“Yes he was found with some certain amount of money, small change and some cash which we suspect is from the same supermarket when he was detained.”
Today Anthony Major was taken over to Belize City Magistrate’s Court and charged with the robbery. Police say at this time they do not know if the Chinese businessman will be charged.
ASP Julio Valdez,
“At this time I am unable to say Jackie. The matter is still under investigation and as soon as that gets through we will send it to the Director of Public Prosecutions and she will decide whether or not. But at this time we are not contemplating charging the Chinese person for the shooting.”
A surveillance camera that was managed to capture the robbery in progress has been handed over to the police. Jacqueline Godwin reporting for 7News.
Flores’s mother Gaylia Flashy – who defended him so passionately when he was accused of tossing the grenade – today told us she had no comment because her son was already dead. This is her second son who has been killed. As for Anthony Major he was charged with one count of robbery upon Ting Hay Tuen and his case was adjourned until July first. He was remanded into custody. He has pending charges of a theft and a burglary in court.
