Minor Murdered in Roaring Creek, Second Shooting Victim Hospitalized

Dane Matute Jr.

A teenager is dead and another is hospitalized, following a shooting incident in Roaring Creek Village. Information to News Five is that just before one thirty p.m., fifteen-year-old Dane Matute Junior and Kaylen Wade were swimming with a group in the vicinity of Guanacaste Park when at least three shots were heard. Moments later, the group noticed that Matute had been shot to the back. He was transported to the Western Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing surgery. Wade was shot to the right foot. He too was transported to the Western Regional Hospital for treatment. The area where the shooting occurred is a popular swimming location in the village. Today’s deadly attack on the lives of these teenagers led to strong police presence in the community this afternoon.

No official information has been released as to a motive. The Belize Youth Movement Cayo Central Branch issued a release in the wake of the murder, condemning violence against youths. The release says, “BYM Cayo Central emphasizes the need for community based program that can keep our fellow residents out of crime and homicide in Belize. This incident is one of many that occur frequently in our community and we, as youths, are the only ones who can unite and stop violence against other youths”. BYM Cayo Central offered its condolences to the family of the deceased. We will have more for you on this in tomorrow’s newscast.