From that murder in Belize City, we turn now to a fatal shooting in the "Japan" area of Ladyville Village. The victim has been identified as 27-year-old Dijon Kenrick Foreman, a sales representative who lives in the same neighborhood.
At this time, it appears that he was shot and killed by a companion whose home he was socializing at last night. Police are treating this incident as a murder investigation, but their suspect appears to be making very early claims of self-defense.
Our news team was in Ladyville today looking for answers, and Daniel Ortiz has that story:
The body of 27-year-old Dijon Foreman was found in the backyard of this home on Myrtle Wade Crescent.
Police say that they eventually discovered it after confronting the male resident of the home who was behaving nervously. That person reportedly alleged that someone tried to shoot him.
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood - Communications Officer, BPD
"Sometime around 7:40 p.m - this was actually earlier - police visited a residence on a Myrtle Wade Crescent. While at that residence, they saw the person that occupies that house behaving in a nervous manner. And while questioning that person, he claimed that someone went to his residence and tried to shoot him. Police did an extensive search of the yard, where they found a 27-year-old Dijon foreman, in the yard, motionless, apparently dead. Police continue conducting additional searches in the yard, where they came upon a firearm that they believe may have been the murder weapon. This man has since been detained by police and we are hoping to bring closure to that incident very soon."
Initial investigation suggests that Foreman, the deceased, left his home on Egbert Quilter Avenue - which is right around the lane - to come to this residence for reasons unknown at this time. Shortly afterward, gunshots were heard in the area, and residents say that they heard the screams of someone in distress.
Also of note is that according to residents, Foreman and this detained person were known to hang out as friends. Sometime before the sound of gunshots and the discovery of the victim's body, both men were reportedly seen smoking marijuana on the verandah, while enjoying each other's company. It is unclear what dispute or disagreement happened that caused the two to escalate from companions to homicide victim and suspect.
We're also informed that this person showed signs as though he was in some sort of struggle or physical fight, and he identified the deceased as the "gunman" who attacked him.
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood
"Based on the information gathered so far by investigators, they're saying that it was only the person who owns the house and the victim who were there. The victim lives not too far from where he was killed, and we don't want to make any presumptions. We are just sticking to the facts. What they can tell you is for investigators right now, this is looking pretty good and we are hoping to gather more information from neighbors. If you know Myrtle Wade Crescent, the houses are not too far from each other and we are hoping that we get full cooperation from the general public, and maybe we can just bring some closure to that family."
Today, we spoke to the grieving mother of Dijon Foreman, who initially agreed to grant us an interview. But, when we showed up, she was strongly urged by family members not to grant any comment.
We understand however that although Foreman grew up in the Mayflower area of Belize City, which is better known as "Ghost Town", he tried to stay away from the street life. We are told that he moved to Ladyville to get out of the environment.
His mother remembers him as a caring individual who focused on school and his studies.
