There was a murder in Belize City just as the news was finishing on New Year's Eve. At this time, police believe that it was a result of gang rivalries between George Street and Taylors Alley.
It happened on the turf that borders the two neighbouring gangs on Glynn Street near its junction with West Street.
At around 6:55 p.m., 25-year-old Shane Flowers from Taylors Alley, was walking on West Street along with a woman, 56-year-old Maneera Wilson. A gunman appeared and opened fire on both of them. Wilson was shot once to the body, and survived while Flowers wasn't so lucky. Although he managed to dash from West Street to Glynn Street, he collapsed from multiple gunshot injuries to the body and passed away.
This morning in a police press briefing in Belmopan, the deputy head of the National Criminal Investigations Branch told the press that it appears that Flowers was shot and killed in a gang flare-up:
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero, Deputy Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch
"On Thursday, 31st December 2020, police responded to a shooting incident on Glenn Street in Belize City. Upon arrival, they found the lifeless body of Shane Flowers and another female was found at the K.H.M.H. with gunshot injuries. She was identified as Maneera Wilson and was admitted to the K.H.M.H. in a stable condition. Investigation revealed that both persons were walking on West Street when a male person came and fired shots towards them, causing the fatal injuries to Flowers and the other injuries to the female. The male person then fled from the scene. Several persons were detained and questioned in regards to this murder."
Reporter
"Sir, the motive behind this shooting."
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero
"It is a rivalry between two groups in that area. In that area of Taylor's Alley."
Reporter
"Sir, talk to us about Shane Flowers. Who is he, is he known to police?"
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero
"Yes, he is known to the police."
Reporter
"Where is he from?"
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero
"Taylor's Alley."
Reporter
"Known to the police for what incidents?"
Sr. Supt. Hilberto Romero
"He has been investigated for some incidents in the past. That's all I will say."
This weekend, police announced that they arrested and charged a 17-year-old male minor for the murder of Shane Flowers. He was formally charged in the presence of his mother, and he was remanded until today when he was expected to be formally arraigned in Magistrate Court.
Police say that they have activated additional patrols in the area in the hopes of preventing any retaliation.
