The police also briefed the media on the arrest of one of their own. Back in 2018, it made major headlines after eight lawmen - all members of the Belize Special Assignment Group - were arrested and charged for the murder of Ariel Audinette Salazar. They were remanded, but eventually set free after the case was thrown out.
Well, after two years, the case is back on and the officers will be re-arrested - but not for murder. Police Constable Leenart Cajun was the first to have been formally arrested and charged with Manslaughter over the weekend. ACP Joseph Myvett explained why the case was thrown out in the first place and how it is now that the charge is manslaughter:
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head NCIB
"As you were aware, himself along with other members of the Belize Special Assignment Group were previously arrested and then for some reason, the case was struck out however further investigation was done and the DPP ordered that they be rearrested and that charges be executed against the. So far, it is only Cahun that has been found along with another person that was brought in custody this morning who is also going to be charged today."
Reporter:
"What was the element in the investigation that cinched this charge of manslaughter?"
ACP Joseph Myvett, Head NCIB
"At some point the file was not completely ready because of some further directive that was given and the magistrate struck out the matter so those directives have now been complied with the order was given for persons to be rearrested."
The lawmen were also charged with attempted murder of Oscar Payes. They stormed into the house where the two victims were and viciously beat them, reportedly over a cellphone. Seven of the men were BDF soldiers, and one, Constable Cajun was a police officer.
