Youth Shot & Killed in Attempted Robbery

One of three would-be robbers was shot and killed this afternoon in the downtown area of Belize City. It happened just after two p.m. at the Kephawn Pawnshop at the Commercial Center in Market Square. Police were notified of a robbery in progress and by the time they got to the scene, the proprietor of the establishment, Gilroy Usher Junior, had already pulled the trigger on Rocky Road youth, Phillip Barrera. Inside the shop, a firearm was found beside Barrera’s body; it is believed it would have been used in the foiled robbery. His two brazen accomplices, who stood watch outside the shop, fled the scene, leaving their bicycles behind. But before they would disappear, one signaled to police that there was an ongoing robbery. A large crowd gathered beyond the caution tape as word spread that a suspect had been killed. Following the shooting, Deputy Regional Commander for the Eastern Division South, Senior Superintendent Alden Dawson, confirmed preliminary details.

Alden Dawson

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson, Deputy Regional Commander, Eastern Division South

“Police received information sometime after two today and the information stated that someone got shot inside the pawnshop behind us. Upon arrival they saw a male person, who has recently been identified as Phillip Barrera, lying on the floor apparently dead.”

Duane Moody

“Sir I know the investigation is preliminary but what did you guys understand happened? How did he get shot?”

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

“Like you said rightfully, the investigation is young; just at the beginning. We understand that he entered the business place there and something transpired between him and the proprietor where he eventually got shot, along with some other friend he was, I understand.”

Duane Moody

“How many times was he shot sir? Do you know so far?”

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

“No I don’t know at this time.”

Duane Moody

“To what part of the body was he shot?”

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

“Neither at this time…I haven’t seen the body or where he was shot.”

Duane Moody

“Sir was he killed while a crime was in progress?”

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

“That is yet to be determined…at the conclusion of the investigation.”

Duane Moody

“Sir as to the persons that he was with, what of them?”

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

“Again, like I said, it’s a young investigation and it is ongoing. It is only preliminary that I am giving you here because that’s all we know at this time, but the investigation is ongoing.”

Duane Moody

“Sir, who is the owner of the business?”

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson

“That is yet to be established as well.”