27-year-old Raheem Williams is currently behind bars after being charged for the murder of 38-year-old Estevan Baeza. As you know, Williams is accused of brutally beating Baeza to death. The police were quick to catch him after the incident on April 1st - two MIT officers chased him down and found him a couple lanes away from the scene in Orange Walk Town.
Private Williams had been stationed in the town for a couple months, and according to the Acting Deputy Commander of the BDF, they were appalled at the violence that was exhibited by a fellow soldier.
Acting Deputy Commander Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Garcia explained that they have no tolerance for that sort of behavior towards innocent civilians and that - apart from a murder charge - Private Williams is facing serious internal discipline.
Lt. Col. Brandon Garcia, Acting Deputy Commander, BDF
"On behalf of the Commander Belize Defence Force and the entire BDF, I would like to extend and convey our deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to the Baeza family. When we saw that video, it is an indication of what Commander Belize Defence Force does not tolerate. We have a zero tolerance policy for any brutality against civilians, etc."
"When this matter went in front of the court, I understand he was charged for the unlawful death of Baeza. Our procedures are simple, this is a matter for the court and we will be making submission to our security service commission to ensure that he is suspended until the outcome of his case."
Courtney Menzies:
"And I guess there is a possibility that he may be dismissed."
Lt. Col. Brandon Garcia, Acting Deputy Commander, BDF
"Yes, and that is based on the outcome of his case. Yesterday, the commander of the Belize Defence Force and our four Sergeant Major visited the Baeza residence to assure them that the BDF is committed to assist where possible. So yesterday, they took some food for both the wake and the repass. The BDF have committed to pay funeral expenses and the coffin and assist with the funeral arrangement."
We also asked Lieutenant Colonel Garcia about Williams' mental state.
Lt. Col. Brandon Garcia, Acting Deputy Commander, BDF
"Whenever one joins the rank of the Belize Defence Force, they are properly vetted. We are also dedicated to ensure that those that join our ranks are mentally and physically robust. So Private Williams went through a thorough vetting before joining our ranks."
Courtney Menzies:
"And has he ever shown this level of violence, in this manner?"
Lt. Col. Brandon Garcia, Acting Deputy Commander, BDF
"Williams hadn't exhibited any violent tendencies until now. When that incident occurred, we offered some sort of psycho-social support. Whatever was discussed with the counselor at the time wasn't disclosed to us so I cannot comment on what was discussed with the counselor. But at some point members from the BDF will still have to go to the prison to visit him there and speak to him and to ensure that he is ok."
Notably, Private Williams will be joining his father, Fidel Williams, in prison. The elder Williams was convicted of ten counts of rape back in 2011 and is currently serving and 80 year sentence.
