As Granddaughter Recovers, Family in New Road Incident Clam Up to Police

Seven-year-old Malli Herrera was the unintended target of a gunman who opened fire on a New Road residence on Tuesday night in Belize City.  The Saint Joseph School student was shot once to the lower back and remains hospitalized in the I.C.U. at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.  The daring attack during which the child’s grandmother, sixty-year-old Judith Rocke, was also injured has left the family shaken up.  Regrettably, they are not cooperating with police in providing information that would lead to the arrest of the shooter.  According to ASP Cowo, the incident is the result of a dispute several days ago among members of that family.

Alejandro Cowo

ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City

“We know that there was a previous misunderstanding some days ago with some of the family members and the suspect that were involved in that shooting, that led to that shooting.  But unfortunately, I have to tell you that the police has been behind them, trying to convince them to come in and give a statement.  We have been at their residence several times and up to now they have not approached us to tell us exactly what happened.  The little girl is in critical condition but we spoke to the doctor this morning and they have very good hopes that she is recovering at this moment.”