A Candlelight Vigil for Slain Businessman

Five days ago, Belize City businessman Michael Williams was executed in the old Capital. The son of the famous Marie Sharp was the general manager of her wholesale office here in Belize City. Williams was with his girlfriend inside his SUV on North Front Street when they came under fire. Bullets hit Williams on the arm and he died minutes after. His girlfriend escaped with minor injuries and tonight police are still trying to figure out who did it and why. Meanwhile, Williams’ family and friends held a candlelight vigil on Wednesday night at Battlefield Park. News Five’s Hipolito Novelo has the story. 

Patrick Williams

Patrick Williams, Son of Deceased

“My dad was a great man. Tonight we won’t’ be sad about this about this sudden occasion. Tonight we should celebrate how great of a man he was; celebrate the number of lives he touched.”

Hipolito Novelo, Reporting

Patrick Williams is speaking of his father, Michael Alexander Williams, the businessman who was shot dead at around midnight on Saturday.  His family, close friends and members of the Cycling Federation of Belize gathered at Battlefield Park on Wednesday night to pay tribute to Williams and say one last public farewell to a man many people respected and loved.

Jody Williams

Jody Williams, Son of Deceased

“Mr. Michael Alexander Williams, he loved cycling. He loved his children. He supported us in any kind of sport whether we want to play football, run, ride or indoor running whatever. He is a guy who always says yes. You know when you need a little help, mentoring you can ask Mr. Mike. He won’t’ say no. That is just who he was and who is he. We will always remember him.”

Williams is seen as much more than just the Belize City branch manager of Marie Sharp; he is seen as a man of reputable character whom others found a friend in.

Dion Leslie

Dion Leslie, Vice President, Cycling Federation of Belize

“Your father was a part of this family as much as everybody. Even though he never raced but he was there supporting his sons, the many kids that he took under this wings and help, coached, and mentor them. It is a great loss for us and we really feel it as the extended cycling family.”

The fifty-eight-year-old father of three was inside his parked SUV on North Front Street along with his girlfriend when two men approached the vehicle and released a barrage of bullets at Williams, injuring him in his arm and armpit. The family believes that William’s execution was a planned hit. Investigators are putting the pieces of the puzzle together but are having difficulties:

Alejandro Cowo

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

“The investigation is still ongoing. There is no one detained and no charges for no one up to now.”

A motive has still not been ascertained. Hipolito Novelo, News Five.