While we were in Santa Familia Village, we caught up with Jessie's older brother, Erwin, who is also a BDF soldier. The community members were already making burial preparations, and today, Erwin spoke with us at the community's burial site. He told us that his brother is not the type to aggravate his fellow lawmen. He said that he does not believe the narrative being presented by the officers involved that he and his companions aggressed them.
Here's how he explained why:
Erwin Escobar, Brother of Deceased
"Jessie was a very cool guy, he is a funny guy. From growing up he likes to give jokes and being around friends and doing all kind of stuff. He wasn't like a saint, but Jessie socializes with friends and he not somebody that would look for trouble. When I got this news yesterday, I was surprised that that happened. The first thing I read on certain media that Jessie was aggressive and he came with pint bottle and stuff and after that when I got to know the real truth about it, it was nothing like that. The police officers that were here - they came not with manners, they could come with that brutality, aggression and dictate you to do this and that, they never talk to you like humans. I was surprised that it was a BDF soldier, knowing that he is a BDF soldier too, because they know, they both knew. So I was very shocked when that happened."
Erwin told us that his brother, Jessie looked up to him, and that's why he joined the BDF, to also serve his country.
This evening, the BDF sent out a press release which says, quote, "The Commander, Belize Defence Force, officers, and soldiers extend their deepest condolences to the family of …Private Jessie Escobar. Private Jessie Escobar enlisted in the Belize Defence Force on 08th October 2012 He was serving in the Light Engineer Company at Price Barracks, Ladyville, and has completed over eight years of service." End quote.
