Man Shot Friday on Albert Street Dies of Injuries
Lejean Rhamdas
In a follow up to a story we brought to you last week, twenty-five year old Lejean Rhamdas has died. He was shot in downtown Belize City mid-morning on Friday. Coincidentally, his father came to the scene to assist, not knowing it was his own son who had been hit. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
Twenty three year old Lejean Rhamdas was gunned down on Albert Street in Belize City on Friday morning. He would later succumb to the injuries he sustained. Police believes Rhamdas’ murder was as a result of gang related violence in the area.
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director, Belize Police Department
“All indications are that it might have been gang related.”
But Rhamdas’ sister, who would not give her name, is in disbelief. She told News Five over the phone that she did not know her brother to be a gang member.
On the Phone: Sister of Lejean Rhamdas
“As far as I know, my brother, he is not a part of any gang. So, I would really appreciate it that you guys don’t put that he is affiliated with any gang.”
Rhamdas was at a car wash on Albert Street in down Town Belize City when his attackers, two male persons, approached him and fired several shots at him. He attempted to make an escape, but collapsed only a short distance away. Several hours later, he died at the KHMH from the injuries he sustained.
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director, Belize Police Department
“We have several persons detained, persons of interest, and we believe that hopefully we could make an arrest very soon in this murder.”
Reporter
“Do you know if he was the intended target, considering there were other people at the carwash as well?”
ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director, Belize Police Department
“Well he received the barrage of the shots, so I don’t see who else could have been the intended target.”
On the Phone: Sister of Lejean Rhamdas
“The family is still trying to understand like why? We are thinking like maybe someone called him and they set him up right. But, to say it was a gang thing. No. Lejean was always a humble mannerly person, very mannerly. He walked in the house he is going to bid you the time of the day.”
His father was one of the first to arrive on the scene that morning. Overtaken by the trauma caused by having to pick his wounded son off the pavement, he gave only brief comments over the phone.
On the phone: Father of Lejean Rhamdas
“I mih like mih son. Ih get shot and dah me pick ah up. I mih love mih son yo know.”
Reporting for News Five I am Paul Lopez.
According to Police, earlier this year Rhamdas was charged with a firearm offense. He was remanded to the Belize Central Prison and later met bail, but police do not believe his murder was connected with that incident.
