There are two murders in the city to report tonight they happened within 13 hours of each other - and both do not fit the pattern of the homicides we regularly report on.
The first happened last night on St. Thomas Street just across from the hospital. We'll have that story shortly. But first we'll tell you about the tragic killing that took place this morning on Iguana street extension. A homely 14 year old girl was killed when gunmen went to rob her family's store. She was caught in the crossfire between a father defending his home and business and ruthless robbers who fired indiscriminately. Monica Bodden has the story:...
Monica Bodden, Reporting
The wife and mother of Brian Yue and Helen Yue could not be consoled - as she sobbed and wept profusely this morning after gunmen took the life of her teenage daughter and injured her husband.
Brian Yue was working on this car with two friends in front of the family store.
He went inside and as he opened this door which leads to the interior of the store and the living area - Two of three men who were lurking around the shop - dashed in through the open door. One of them had a gun and they started rummaging through the area looking for money or phone cards.
At some point it is believed that Brian went for his licensed firearm to defend his family.
And that was when the robbers opened fire - shooting at him - but hitting 14 year old Helen Yue in her right upper chest.
Lee Mark Chang, Family Friend
"The information is very sketchy but a young girl was killed today and her father shot. He is still in the hospital in surgery right now."
Brian Yue was also shot to his left arm where the bullet penetrated through his abdomen.
Lee Mark Chang, Family Friend
"I went to the hospital to check up on him and he is stable right now. They are going to take him in the operating theatre a little later on. I just came to check on the wife and the other kids. I don't think he knows of the passing of his daughter yet. We are very afraid to tell him also, he might be traumatized going in to surgery. I don't think he knows the information yet. From what I have seen, the bullet penetrated his hand and into his abdomen."
Monica Bodden
"And the young girl?"
Lee Mark Chang, Family Friend
"I haven't seen her but the information I got is that she got shot in the chest."
Yue and his family have been at this location for over a decade. Their 3 children are all born Belizeans. 14 year old Helen Yue was about to enter second form at Edward P York High.
It was evident today that this was not just a "chinese store" - this family was well loved by everyone in that neighbourhood.
Voice of Area Resident
"I know her really well she is a sister for some of us and a daughter to the rest depending on your age range."
Monica Bodden
"She actually went to primary school with one of your kids?"
Voice of Area Resident
"Well with quite a few of the kids in the neighborhood because they all went to St. Ignatius School together."
Monica Bodden
"You knew her personally. What kind of young lady was Helen?"
Voice of Area Resident
"Lively, down to earth, friendly…"
Lee Mark Chang, Family Friend
"I have known him since he came to Belize. He started a business with his wife. A hard working individual and it's very unfortunate that this had happen today."
Voice of Area Resident
"As far as I could remember as far back as we have been living in the neighborhood the store has been here and they are really good to my family and the people in the neighborhood so it's a shock. I still can't believe this happen. We have such a relationship with them that you get credit which might be like the typical Belizean store that is how they treat us."
Police have one suspect who they are looking for.
