Silly season, or sinister season? It looked a lot more like the sinister kind last night in Sandhill when there was a home invasion at the residence of PUP Standard Bearer, Marconi Leal.
It happened around 10, and some speculate that it could have been politically motivated.
Leal's 55-year-old wife, 26-year-old daughter-in-law, and 18-year-old daughter were at home when they saw the burglars at their room door. The culprits stole over $5,000 worth of items. The family is now left fearing for their safety, especially since the daughter sustained an injury to the knee after one of the burglars hit her with a rifle-type firearm.
Courtney Menzies travelled to Belize Rural North and found out more:
A home invasion in Sandhill Village has left a family distraught - but was this a random act of violence or the result of a tense political season?
The target of last night's crime was PUP Standard Bearer for Belize Rural North, Marconi Leal. Leal was not at home when the incident occurred around 10:00, but was instead making preparations for next week's elections.
When he heard the news, he immediately rushed home to find several items stolen and his family terrorized. He was tightlipped about the details, but said that he was thankful there were no major injuries.
Marconi Leal, PUP Standard Bearer, Belize Rural North
"It is an unfortunate situation for something like this to happen as it is getting closer to the general elections but I wanna say to all those that have been making calls and sending texts that I'm thankful for their support and I want to give God thanks for the safety of my family and myself, you know, it's unfortunate that my family have to go through something like this. My wife, my daughter and my daughter-in-law who just recently had a baby like six days ago, only them were at the house."
Reporter
"They're feeling pretty traumatized right now?"
Marconi Leal, PUP Standard Bearer, Belize Rural North
"They are, they are and it's sad you know. I don't.... I'm not happy something like that had happened."
Reporter
"Anything stolen?"
Marconi Leal
"Yes, a few things were stolen but I don't wanna get into all the details."
According to the family, the three females were inside the house when three men entered into the yard through an open gate at the side of the house. They then went into the house through the front door and tied up the victims. The men were armed with knives and a gun and demanded money. They then stole several electronics including televisions, laptops, and cellphones. During the robbery, Leal's son came home and the burglars bolted in two separate cars.
Leal's son, Darren Leal, then set chase after the men in his own vehicle. While one of the getaway cars was able to escape, the other one, a blue Chrysler, swerved off the road. The driver jumped out of the vehicle and ran towards the bushes. Several villagers searched for him, but he was able to escape. The vehicle now sits at the Ladyville Police Station.
So was this crime politically motivated? Leal chose not to delve into that subject.
Reporter
"You think this is just the effects of what Belizeans call "Silly Season?""
Marconi Leal
"Well it could be but I don't wanna get into that kind of criticism. I'm just happy that we are all safe."
Darren Leal, who doubles as the village's chairman, was feeling the blunt of last night's manhunt through the bushes and told us that he too is relieved that his family is safe. He believes that justice will be served.
Darren Leal, Chairman, Sandhill
"It's very unfortunate that something like this actually hit home but for the most part we are more than grateful that it went the way it did. My mom, my sister, my sister-in-law, they are all safe and we just wanna give God thanks for protecting the family as he has been doing over the years. Like I said it's very unfortunate a scenario like this would hit home but we know justice will be served whether by police, God is with us, and we know that he will do his job so I would also like to say to the guys who did something like this, I mean we are praying for you guys. We hope that you guys can change from these evil acts, these criminal acts, our country needs to do better, the youths, I really don't know what was their motive but like I said it's now in God's hands and we just wanna give God thanks and also to all those who are praying for the family, all those who are supporting in whatever way, thank you all."
Sandhill is not usually home to criminal acts, but Leal said that the village council will continue to work alongside the police in that area.
Darren Leal
"Well, we as the village council, we have been working with the police, we have neighborhood watch, we have certain things set in place but I mean, certain things is beyond our control but we continue to stay vigilant and continue to work with the police in the village and the neighbors."
Several stolen items were recovered and police have one person in custody. This afternoon, Leal's political opponent, Edmond Castro, issued a statement condemning the crime and expressing solidarity with the family.
The release also states, quote, "Honourable Castro…strongly (condemns) those elements who, for political gain, or driven by other ulterior motives, are attempting to link him with the reprehensible act perpetrated against Leal and his family. Honourable Castro categorically denies any responsibility for such an act, or any association with those who perpetrated it." End quote.
