And while police are investigating that matter, they've made an arrest for the first murder of 2023. 24-year-old Lionel Budna was shot in the middle of Central American Boulevard a little after midnight on January 1st. He was a cook who'd just started working and his family said he was no troublemaker.
Police had initially said they believed it was gang related, and six months later, they finally caught the suspected culprit.
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"Reference the murder of Lionel Budna that occurred on the first day of January 2023, we have since arrested and charged Denvoy Bartley for the crime of murder. This is after an investigation was conducted into the matter. We were looking for him from then and he was apprehended over the weekend, further investigation was carried out and now he has been charged."
Courtney Menizes:
"Where was he found?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"He was found here in Belize City."
Courtney Menzies:
"What's the motive?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"We did not establish a clear motive for this murder."
Courtney Menzies:
"Is he cooperating with police?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"No, not at this time."
Reporter:
"So it is believed he had absconded?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"Yes, he was hiding, we're not sure where he was but he was found over the weekend here in Belize City."
Courtney Menzies:
"Was he found inside a home?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"Yes."
Courtney Menzies:
"And is that homeowner or the person living there..."
ACP Hilberto Romero, OC, Eastern Division
"He was found alone with he was found."
