4th suspect arrested in cop killing

A fourth man has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of police constable Morris Martinez. According to the authorities, fifty-five year old Cesario Balam of Corozal Town stands accused of murder, kidnapping, rape, robbery, threat of death and taking a motor vehicle without authority. In addition to arresting Balam, Corozal police also believe that they have discovered the accused killers’ arsenal near the Pueblo Nuevo Road. At the scene, cops found clothes, an M16 rifle with three loaded magazines, a 12 gauge sawed off shotgun and six shells. Balam is believed to be part of a gang of men who have been terrorizing residents in the area and is now suspected of killing P.C. Martinez in late December of last year. Three suspects already charged with robbery–Elio Lopez, Apolonio Cervera and Edmund Crawford Sanker Junior–are expected to also face charges of homicide. Martinez’s body was discovered on January sixth off a cane feeder road between Corozal Town and Consejo. Martinez had gone with a female companion to a remote lovers lane when they were attacked, robbed and then abducted. During the assault, Martinez’s friend was raped.