And there was another murder on Sunday-this one in southern Belize. And this time the victim was a 16-year-old. One of our colleagues spoke to his aunt, who is also his legal guardian, today, and all motives for his death appear to point towards the company he kept. Jomarie Lanza has this report.
At dawn on Sunday morning, 16-year-old Isaiah Noralez was on his way home after socializing with friends. That's when he came under fire in the Benguche area of Dangriga.
ACP Hilberto Romero, HNCIB
"Information is he was riding a bicycle in the Benguche area when a motorcycle with 2 persons came and one of them fired shots in his direction causing his fatal injuries. For this murder investigation we have 2 persons in custody at this time."
His aunt was his guardian. She says the teen was not in school and she always tried to warn him about the kind of company he kept.
Sharilee Makin, Aunt of Deceased
"I don't know if they were following my baby I don't know what really, if they were following but they caught up with him and they were on a cycle and both of them shoot my baby."
"Honestly I don't think Isaiah would hurt anybody, Isaiah was just, I think Isiah wanted to fit in because other than that he is humble he don't really likes to talk he might just smile. Gives a smile he is not the person who talks much, he gave me a few heartaches had me worrying all the time. Have to pray every day especially when he wasn't home the company he chose, the friends he choose. I warned my baby it old him those are not good friends you picked baby those are not good friends Isiah. Friends will only lead you 2 places only 2 places you could go only 2 places. They are big men in the community."
ACP Hilberto Romero confirmed that the murder was triggered by an early dispute:
Jo-
"So he was the intended target?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, HNCIB
"He had a dispute with 2 persons from Dangriga over some issues and that is what led to his shooting."
Reporter:
"Is he known to police?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, HNCIB
"No he is not known to police."
Reporter-
"What about those detained?"
ACP Hilberto Romero, HNCIB
"Yes they are known to police."
