Two charged in Aragon murder
Sixty-six year old Hilberto Aragon was gunned down on Tuesday on Mahogany Street in Belize City. Today, two men were charged with his murder. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods was on hand for the arraignment.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
This afternoon eighteen year old Francisco Petillo of Flamboyant Street and Thirty seven year old Basil Willis of Black Orchid Street were handcuffed together and escorted to the Magistrate?s Court where they were charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The Criminal Investigation Branch Commanding Officer, Detective Inspector Santiago Ciau, says although the police came under pressure to solve the crime, the arrest was made on the basis of strong evidence.
Detective Inspector, Santiago Ciau Sr., O.C CIB
“Yes, there is evidence. Yes, we do have pressures from the public, but like you say, the outcry of the public is of concern to the police. We must ensure to detect as much crime as possible, especially the majors crimes that occurred in the past three days. And it is our duty to be out there to get as much evidence to detect a particular crime and let the people and the public feel much safer and have more confidence in the police, as to the work they are doing during the field of investigation.”
The police say based on information they have received about the killing, they strongly suspect that Willis is the triggerman who killed Aragon with a nine millimetre pistol. However, as the accused was being taken to court a spectator voiced a contrary opinion.
Woman
“Hold this rag right over your face, no mek they tek your picture…cause they can?t prove nothing.”
Detective Inspector Santiago Ciau Sr.
“Based on my investigation with the assistance of the team from Major Crimes and C.I.B. personnel on a whole, the evidence has pointed the finger to the suspect, Mr. Willis, Basil Willis. We have a co-accused, who was along with him, and we also have evidence to place him at the scene along with Basil Willis.”
Police say at this time they do not know just how much money was stolen from Aragon, but authorities believe it was a small amount because of what family members found in one of his pockets.
Detective Inspector Santiago Ciau Sr.
“They found a large sum of money, which was a part of his daily business.”
Ciau says they believe Aragon may have been shot after he struggled with Petillo and Willis when they tried to rob him of his hard earned cash. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.
Meanwhile the police say they are also making headway in their investigation into the stabbing death of seventy-two year old Ascencio Cruz. They say they are now looking for a main suspect having received reliable information that the person in question was involved. Police say they are encouraged by the response of the public in reaction to the latest series of murders in Belize City.
