A Police Special Constable is dead following a fatal road traffic accident on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway on Friday night. The accident occurred around 7:25 p.m. between miles 30 and 31.
Upon arrival, officers found the body of 48-year-old Marcos Acal lying on the shoulder of the pavement. A damaged red and black Skygo 125cc motorcycle was found beside him, with visible damage to its left side. ASP Stacy Smith tells us more:
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Staff Officer
"Police have formally arrested and charged Juan Carlos Estrada Prado, a 30 year old Guatemalan national of Santa Cruz village, for the crimes of manslaughter by negligence and causing death by careless conduct and the offenses of drove motor vehicle without due care and attention, failing to report an accident and failing to stop and render aid. These charges follow police's investigation into a road traffic accident which claimed the life of Marcus Acal, a 48 year old Special constable of the Belize Police Department. The investigation commenced on Friday 38th January 2026 at approximately 7:25 p.m., when officers attached to the intermediate Southern Formation were advised that a traffic accident occurred between miles 31 and 32 on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway in southern Belize. The responding officers reported that upon their arrival at the scene, they observed the gravely injured Mr. Acal and a sky brown motorcycle which was beside him showed signs of damage."
"Acal was transported to the Southern Regional Hospital. However, he was pronounced dead at approximately 8:30 p.m. whilst the investigators were processing the scene. Intelligence was obtained in relation to a vehicle of interest that was seen in the Punta Gorda jurisdiction, and that information was relayed to police officers in Punta Gorda. The officers intercepted a Hino Band pickup truck at the dump in Punta Gorda, and on board that vehicle were Prado as well as two other male persons, and an inspection of that vehicle showed signs of damage and apparent blood."
"The Belize Police Department mourns the loss of Mr. Acal. Mr. Acal was a special constable for 14 years. Where he give, give very dedicated and exemplary service."
A urine sample was obtained from Estrada Prado, who remains detained as investigations continue. The matter is being investigated as a case of manslaughter by negligence.
