Switching now to crime - there are two murders to report tonight - and both of them follow familiar story arcs: one, a security guard killed for his weapon, and the second, a man killed in gang violence. Usually those urban tragedies play out in the city - but these happened in Santa Elena Town and Punta Gorda Town, respectively.
We start in Cayo where Cherisse Halsall learned more about the life and death of Lionel Olivera.
It was a quiet Friday evening in Santa Elena. Lionel Olivera, a security guard with A & P Security had only recently settled into his post at One-Stop Hardware.
But tragedy struck at 10:55. It seems Olivera in his capacity as a guard carried a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol. It also seems that someone had been watching him. Olivera was attacked by two men, one of whom had a gun.
This security video shows them running up to him in an attempt to restrain him, but Olivera struggles and that's when you see a spark go off as one of the men shoots him at point-blank range. They're then seen rummaging through his pockets and taking possession of his gun before running off.
And this morning just in front of that terrible crime scene we met a woman Olivera's girlfriend. She shared her emotion at the prospect of his death.
Lillian Smith, Ex-Common Law
"Just a shock because I don't know why people killed him because he was a good guy. He was a nice person he always was friendly."
Cherisse Halsall:
"How long did he work in security?"
Lillian Smith, Ex-Common Law
"I didn't know how long but when I got to know him I only lived two years with him. He had a hobby, he used to like to drink, he used to drink but he didn't fast with anybody, he wasn't a troublemaker."
Cherisse Halsall:
"And Mr. Olivera he didn't have any problems with anyone?"
Lillian Smith, Ex-Common Law
"When I was with him no, apart from that I didn't know."
Cherisse Halsall:
"How are you feeling about the safety in this neighborhood now?"
Lillian Smith, Ex-Common Law
"Not too safe because sometimes in your own house they go and kill you."
And indeed keeping the peace in Santa Elena lately has been a challenge for police. ACP Myvette told the press what they've learned about Olivera's murder and about a price of evidence found near the scene.
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head - NCIB
"What the police know so far is that sometime shortly before 10:30 P.M. Olivera was on duty for a security company which he works for when he was approached by two male persons one of whom was dressed in a blue long-sleeved shirt those persons upon approaching him one of those persons fired upon him and obviously the reason for him being approached is that they wanted to get a hold of the firearm that he was in possession of, there is a video circulating on social media which shows the entire incident, the firearm was taken away from him. The police are investigating the matter, yesterday some clothing was found in the Bradley's Bank area of Santa Elena town which we believe was used by one of those persons who had approached the deceased. At this point in time we are looking for several suspects in relation to this investigation."
"I am not sure whether or not he was robbed of his wallet but I know that he was robbed of the licensed firearm belonging to the security company for which he worked."
Cherisse Halsall:
"Sir do the police believe that Olivera had been watched, targeted?"
ACP Joseph Myvette, Head - NCIB
"Could have been."
But that's a thought too terrifying for the neighbors, they saw Olivera not just as the shops security but a figure that gave them peace of mind.
Neighbor
"Well I just when I came and closed my gate I would tell him goodnight and then I go inside back but when I does send Pia in last year he would usually come and buy."
Cherisse Halsall:
"How did you feel when you heard he was murdered right at your door?"
Neighbor
"Well, I felt bad. I didn't take it well I felt really bad because I knew that I would see him over there and when I go to lock my gate then I tell him goodnight and that's it."
Now, that warm wave to Olivera is left to become a memory, one that she'll have to shake off each night as she secures her gate knowing how random and unexpected murderous violence can be.
