Police Association demands that ComPol charge cop for murder
Gavin Sanchez
We have checked our records but cannot find an internal document as explosive as the one written to the commissioner of police from within the department. It is dated March twenty-second but copies have just become available. The Police Association and Senior Superintendent Chester Williams have written a letter entitled “A Call for Justice” to Crispin Jeffries regarding the shooting death of Corporal Gavin Sanchez by Sergeant Paulino Reyes. The letter outlines a different viewpoint of events on the night of the shooting. According to William’s version, during the incident at Wet Willies, Sanchez was beaten and when he went to his barracks, Sergeant Reyes allegedly went with a BDF soldier to look for him. Sanchez allegedly hit Reyes with a pipe and was shot on his foot by the sergeant. Then the sergeant allegedly fired several more shots at Sanchez while he was on the floor. Sanchez was shot nine times on his body including his head and back. Williams and the officers he represents believe that Sanchez was shot while lying on the floor. They have spoken to other officers who say that there were impressions of bullets under Sanchez’s head which was on the ground. Williams’ source informed him that shells were found on Sanchez’s body, also indicating that he was allegedly on the ground when he was shot. Williams goes on to give several more expert opinions of the crime scene which leads him to believe that the death of the corporal was simply a case of premeditated murder. And the association is calling for a proper investigation into the death so that they can bring one of their own to justice. The group of officers are also requesting that the Ombudsman and the Police Association be granted the authority to be a part of the investigative team that is investigating this incident. Bear in mind that this version of the shooting is a far cry from the official version. In the official version, Sanchez indicated to other officers at the station that he wanted to harm Sergeant Reyes. And it was Sanchez who went to Sergeant Reyes’ Barracks and initiated the physical contact. There is also the issue of the text message that Sanchez sent to the Officer Commanding the San Pedro Police Formation after midnight, which is expected to have a bearing on the case, if it reaches the trial stage. The shootings involving police officers have reached alarming proportions and a group of attorneys from the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party have become vocal concerning the increase of crime. Hubert Elrington, Arthur Saldivar and Michael Peyrefitte visited our studios this evening to discuss the case.
Arthur Saldivar, Attorney
It is something unprecedented and it gives one some hope that there are persons within the Police Department who are becoming concerned enough to voice their opinions on what can only be termed as a terrible situation affecting the
department and affecting the country. This letter which was sent on March twenty-seventh , a day or so before the burial of Gavin Sanchez, basically indicts the entire Police high command and the D.P.P. office for inaction because here it is that investigators from within the Police Department itself have come to a conclusion themselves on the basis of what they saw in relation to the evidence that they were able to peruse and information they were able to gather. How is it that a man who they deem has committed murderer not brought to justice? Or at least have due process take its course in terms of having him answer to charges? That’s the question.”
Michael Peyrefitte, Attorney
“I would like to look at it from a more analytical standpoint. You have to understand that the letter is written by Senior Superintendent Chester Williams, and it concerns Corporal Gavin Sanchez who I know was very close to Chester Williams. You are part of the major crime unit in Belize City while Mr. Williams was the head of CIB so I understand clearly that maybe the death of Corporal Sanchez hit Mr. Williams very close to home. But I don’t think that we need a Senior Superintendent to write the Commissioner of Police for us to get an appreciation of what the crime situation is. Let’s be fair, Chester Williams is not a normal police officer, he’s very public, very political as he has a right to be. So for it coming from him doesn’t necessarily ring a bell. Chester, when he was in charge of CIB, a lot of things happened as well. And we have to be fair and a lot of shady things happened, so we have to ask ourselves a broader question. No doubt the situation with police shooting police, with police and BDF guns drawn, with people dying by gunshot wounds in the hands of the police as in the recent case in Caye Caulker, certainly it is coming if it has not already come to a serious head. And there has to be some analysis as to what exactly is the problem. Is there a lack of police leadership? Is there a lack of political leadership? Is there a lack of people leadership? Naturally the violence within police department and within the security forces are naturally more sensational but there are a lot of Belizeans who are under the same situations, who are under the same pressures, who don’t commit some of the serious crimes that some of us commit and we have to ask ourselves what is it about Belize and us that we are becoming so violent on a daily basis”
Hubert Elrington, Attorney
“The killers in our midst have no fear at all and those who are copy cats have no fear at all. They feel that they have a license to go out there and kill. What is needed is an intervention that will make them understand that that is not so. They have to be disabused in the most radical way of that notion, that the society is afraid of them or they can hold society hostage, and that requires leadership.”
Leadership crisis in Belize! Very sad state of affairs for Belize, Law and order has been eclipsed. Belizeans the worst is yet to be unveiled. Just imagine the possibilities! Our country are at the bottom of the cess pool.
It is quite obvious tha there is no leadership in the country. How in the name of God green earth crime is below the radar? This give all indication that this police is above the law. Very likely he has some secret on some of them in the system and now they are tip toeing hoping that it will die a natural death as time goes by. The public should realize that we must be very vocal about this particular case, and leave no stone unturn to get this case to a real trial. And if the justice system fails, the family should press charges in a wrongful death civil charge at least and hold the vagabon accountable for the rest of his natural life. Let every penny he earns until he die be confiscated and turn over to the familyof the victim. Since the government is dragging its feet on this serious matter, the family should begin their case against him, if that is allow legally at this juncture.
The Police System has reached a POINT where discipline is almost ZERO. Serious cases have been committed by Policemen and they are charged, face tribunal and found guilty and fined Fifty Dollars for the crime. Pure Stupidity and shame on this should be Law abiding Law Enforcers. Corroption begins from the top. Chester Williams should keep his mouth shut once and for all. He knows well how to put up or frame a case hence the reason he can write what he has written. Constables are angry at their bosses, but they take it out of the stupid people from the street who do not want to behave. Very Wrong Actions by the Policemen. I have had experience with the Police and have found myself just wasting my time and becoming an enemy to them because I just cannot get satisfaction for my case. They are very clever when they talk, in fact just listen to how all of them talk to the media. They are like catholics who repeat the same things every Sunday. Sorry Catholic brethrens!! BDF soldiers are more mannerly than the Police. There is more discipline in the BDF. When a soldier fails to perform a duty because of negligence, he faces charges where he goes infront of his Commanding Officer, he does not pay Fifty dollars for his crime. Soldiers get locked up for failing to report for a duty, 14 days pay for negligently performing a duty. I haven’t seen (I might be wrong) Police Corporals, Sergeants or AIPs or even Constables saluting their subordinates. No respect. Get rid of all the Senior Policemen starting from the Top Ranking First. They are the problem, especially those that get promotions because of involment in any political party. Keep the Cadets and train them to the standard required and pay them well. Away with those corrupt OC,s they are spoilled tricky and know how to cover up their evil actions. Constables take your time, do your job right, respect yourselves if you don’t respect those EVIL OC’s and Top Rankings because at the end it is you who will pay the consequences. The Top Rankings have so much priveledge which you cannot enjoy, hence the reason they can enjoy a lot better life than you all. You go to a hot jail cell and they remain in an AC room with their shine boots on their tables and lean back on Angelus Press Top a the Line seats, watching where the next CHEDDARS will come from. I’m TIRED> <Bye. Jah Bless…
I must agree with the Police Association, with their call for a proper investigation into the death of Cpl Sanchez. It is true what is being said my Mike also, in terms of the connection between Chester and Sanchez and perhaps the association should not have joined on with Chester or vice versa. The question needs to be asked. Is this the same chester who was mixed up tightly with the Ben Bou Nera fisasco. Is this the same chester clamoring for justice that refused to ensure justice for Shawn Copious?
Just my little comments
Chester Williams had to be framed in order to speak out against the crooked cops that he called colleges. It is too bad for him that he was not brave enough to call out the crooked cops to the media long before they framed him. Is there any real brave man in the police department that really wants to eliminate crooked cops from the force, take on the entire police force if they have to? Are there any police officers out there in the Belize police force that actually love their jobs, and want to protect and serve instead of just the paycheck?
People just don’t get out of bed in the mornings and suddenly decide to go kill someone, there is a huge problem in that society and the killings are the proof of that problem. It is a problem that the ministers can fix, but chose not to do so.
The police are crooks, the politicians are parasites and don’t know there place in society, the poor get poorer, and the rich get richer.
Hubert Elrington, I think you make a great point in your comment, but is it anything more than a rant?
What is needed is a drastic intervention indeed, but not only for the criminals, but for the officials and politicians as well.
This murder spree has been going on for a very long time and all the officials and politicians knew about it, and did absolutely nothing about it.
Chester Williams calling for justice? What a laugh! The man who supplied the murder weapon for Sherwin Requena Sr. Maybye the the animal in uniform did not kill Fuentes, but that doesn’t mean he is innocent! When a Wolf cry Wolf, you still see that Wolf teeth, …………….!
The Gorilla Unit (So called Police Force) and all those Lawyers is what is wrong with Belize. Belize have nothing but Lawyers, therefore, needs crime to keep their engines running. What do you do to keep it going so all Lawyers can eat? You facilitate criminal activities! Chester Williams and Dickie Bradley are partners of the same gang, you hear me. Yes, its these elements that ensures that Belize is crime riden. Then they are there pulling that metophorical sheet over the country’s eyes.
He should be charged he do give life as a result what rights do he have to take someone else’s life an walk free.
Its true! Now one cannot trust the police. So many things continue going on and you hear nothing from the Compol or the PM. They just sitting back enjoying the good life while the people out there taking a licking. So many policemen hustling, its no joke. Drugs are circulating in many nightclubs and guns all around. They know what is happening but for money they turn a blind eye. The Ministry needs to start disciplining officers who commit offences and should be treated the same way they treat the public. Many of them take for granted the words that the Compol used and feel that they can get away with whatever. He should now begin to show good leadership and deal with his officers accordingly. All the high ranking officers pretending to be doing something, cant trust any of them, they are so biased, all of them. The whole police force is corrupted and needs to be cleaned. Mr Perdomo, where the hell are you? Cant you see what is happening? At least show us you’re trying to do something! Does it have to happen to one of your own before you open your eyes and begin to show us you care, at least a little?
I just hope when they arrest and charge Sergeant Paulino Reyes for that murder its not one of those guys turn right around and become his Attorney.
Do you mean we can’t trust the Entire system.?
Some yrs ago there was an incident that occured in Dangriga with some chinese business owner being shot and killed during an armed robbery my little brother was passing by to go home at the same time this robbery was takeing place,i was a corrections officer at the time and was working a doulble shift at the time when i got the news from family members.I went and conducted my own investigations,come to find out,the person that commited the crime was somebody else,and chester williams knew it wasn’t my brother but yet still he arrested my brother and took him through his(chester williams) normal procedure by not even allowing my family members to see or visit him,not even to give him food nor water,i later contacted an attorney who is also a family member who knew what chester williams is all about.My brother later got released and was out on bail.Two yrs went and my brother never entered a court room for the crime he alledgedly commited and the case was thrown out because of insufficient evidence,now my brother is in the military in Belize doing well.My point is i don’t trust chester for nothing that has to do with the police department and so should u Belize.Chester is a decieving,coniving cop i have no sympathy for u or urs.u r also or was one of those corrupt cops if u have made any changes in ur life for u to get to the position where u r now.But for u chester, i know u know me because we hung out together before,i was also a cop and an ex-military personnel,ur own people from ur village don’t like u because of what u represent inside that uniform of urs,u still always have to look over ur shoulders anywhere u go don’t u,the things u do to the innocent will come back and haunt u,keep looking over ur shoulders chester u will be in fear for the rest of ur life,not from me but from the people u have wronged.
Until the common people learn that Police do not enforce (Common Laws) they are they to
enforce (Cooperate Policies). Which falls under (Maritime ,Admiralty Laws). Until (Belizean ie)
teach and learn the difference between, Common Laws and what is (Cooperate Policies). These
Confusions will persist . Think! why are those who take an oath to defend and protect so quick to
violate?, but there’s an old saying. when you dig a pit for someone you going to be the same
one to fall in it . I see the people is suffering from (Amnesia), while the leader play with their
live like a chess game. (YHWH)
Doesn’t anyone else think its rather ironic that the same guys who get nolle prosequi’s for accused murderers are the one’s claiming that crime is out of order? LAWYERS lol
Right know police officer is just working for there pay they are not interested in what the public problem is, thats how come so many crime is going unsolved and if you are a constable and u pose as a threat of a high ranking officer they make your life miserable because u become a target and the next thing u know u don’t have a job u are being dismiss from the force , and then in some female situation if u don’t play with the senior u end up taking a lick the same way . So any which way you take it it is not a win win situation . the public have it rough and the police officer they got it rough in there own way .
You know, I knew Michael Peyrefitte from High School and I seriously look up to that dude, even though he is a Lawyer and part of the problem today, in my opinion. Mike you want to analyze something with all objectivity? We can do that if you’re for real, bear in mind you are a member and I honestly believe, somewhat a facilitator as well of sort. Mike you currently follow a Man who is clearly an aspiring Dictator. Where else do you see anyone strong arm anything ‘Debo’ style whether private or public from anyone whether a citizen or plain out investors.
You want:
‘to ask ourselves what it is about Belize and us that we are becoming so violent on a daily basis.”
Let’s start with the Beast himself (I know he prefers JackAss whip) . It is not hard to blend in some of this man’s actions and traits with the like of Adolf Hitler. Charismatic, devious, always have an ulterior motive, use scare tactics (that’s what going on right now), using political position and funds, to attacked his enemy (not saying that Said Musa is not the Pot), no respect for the very structure that acknowledge us as a democratic, independent country, stacking up his inner circle with family members and goons he can trust, putting those people in positions that he knows they are not qualified for, but carries out his orders without question (talking about the Top Cop who in all respect was a good field soldier, but possess no knowledge or skills of what it takes to be an executive; I mean the DPP, God, buy her a boat to set sail); a Lawyer who him and his entire family feeds of the criminal situation in Belize like wild African dogs at a fresh kill; its so bountiful even the ex-wife is stuff, go figure. I mean I can go on and on.
Let me tell you, if you want to be honest, Dictator Barrow is 10 times worst than Said Musa, you hear me (not that I would ever want to see Musa in any public position in Belize again).
I mean, look at what we have for an Education leader. The man is a complete idiot, who can’t keep his foot out his mouth. Attacking the Church. I mean who does that, but the Devil himself. Then my God, I mean look at the Foriegn Minister?! Did he not have a better….there’s no words to describe the level of stupidity. I mean he is so concern about have his name down in the history books, that he have no problems turning over they keys to the country to the invaders. But then there’s thier Master, who attacks pregnant women, while giving birth. Wow! His priority is more to stress out a woman giving birth than sincerely address the murder problem that plagues Belize. Is this somebody worthy of respect? Seriously! It’s amazing if you look back at some of the things this man said when he was campaigning, to what he is actually doing now. Belize would have been better off with another Musa administration than this sorry excuse we have for leadership now.
Yes Mike, the problem is Leadership in the country. We have no sane human driving lead right now. It’s like the planet of the Apes in Belize right now. I guess it was supposed to be so easy a caveman was expected to do it. Your’re not safe in the Police station anymore. Who do you run to?! These are the very people that take an oath to protect and serve, but commiting majority of the murders in Belize even in the people’s office. No respect, no regard for life, no nothing Mike. This is in leadership positions, what the HELL do you expect the youths (these are the demography of offenders) to do but follow you all sorry lead. You send out the message if I want something just take, am I lying from a Dictator Barrow actions, huh? If you have a personal problem with someone attack him aggressively no matter where you meet him, am I lying from the actions of Dictator Borrow in of all places the House of representatives. Is it not this that is been mirrored in the streets of Belize. YES MIKE, LEADERSHIP IS THE PROBLEM!
The best way out for Belize right now is to elect nothing but Independent candidates in the very next election. There are many well educated young people in Belize right now that can do more than better than either side of this fence right now. Form a new Party from there and combined the colors for Purple. PEOPLE IT CANNOT GET ANY WORST! We all know what is coming from either side right now. Let’s give the Devil what he is due though, at least when Musa and his wrecking crew was stealing from the people of Belize, the crumbs that was falling they made sure that the people can feed their younglings a little bit. Now; Dog eat Dog. Look at it. You can’t have a lawyer as a leader of a nation of people; their job description is to deceive!
Mike its not good to ask questions you already know the answers to. It shows that your intent is to deceive.
If our our own cannot handle the situation lets bring the Brits after all Queen Elizabeth has the last word
“Attacking the Church. I mean who does that, but the Devil himself. ” – Come on Requena, get with the times. The Church should be part of history lessons, not an institution. The idea of God is offensive – offensive to human rationality and the potential to be in control of our own lives.
Not any more – you have to go to the Caribbean Court of Justice now!
H.M. is only a figurehead to Commonwealth Countries with no political clout, and with a new government that needs to save BILLIONS of Pounds almost immediately, what little British presence there is in Belize may be withdrawn soon, for good!
WOW!!! All these comments certainly have me feeling safe and warm and fuzzy being in Belize……….NOT!!!!!!!!!
Chester’s motives may be questionable but no one with an ounce of common sense can read the articles related to the shooting & not ask for an inquiry or believe that no one should be punished. According to one of the initial interviews with Sanchez’ wife, her husband had a bullet hole somewhere near his chin, was it under his chin? That suggests that a gun was held there & someone issued a dare. Alcohol & testosterone may have been involved but none of the stories pass the smell test. There are too many unanswered questions & since we cannot expect the Police to police its own, it is time for the PM to ask for external help & bring in independent investigators because no one will buy what the Police Department is selling until someone goes to jail. The death penalty seems to apply to any slight &/or insult on the streets of Belize, when it is applied for insubordination in the Department & contempt of cop on the streets, how much longer will it be before we have complete anarchy?
Ana don’t you see them trying to get rid of the Brits to ensure that order and common decency is not restored. ‘Privy council’, hello. They want the Caribbean so they can hang who they want (their enemies) and spare who they want (the ones that carry out their orders), like this current Cop. You heard Jefferies himself, Top Cop, told them to shoot them Dead. What you think his arrest is for? In pusuit of Justice? No my friend, it is to cool off the masses. After a year on remand, the DPP will submit a Nolle pros. He just carried out his Boss’s orders, that’s all. You think I am joking? You know the Judiciary system is one big joke, and is in their pockets. I mean this dictator changes the damn law, constitution to suit his ambitions. I mean, only in Belize will you see, Fresh outta Jail after serving 10 years for attempted murder, deportee non the less and into a executive and leadership position. Are you kidding me? We have ex-cons that we must look up to, (nothing close to say: Nelson Mandela, if you know that story), where, I WOULD BELIEVE in MOST other COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, THEY CAN’T EVEN VOTE. But in Belize he gets rewarded. Society whoes him for time serve. Mein, get the hell outta here. There are people many times more qualified and educated that can really drive that position, but don’t get a break as they are not a member of the inner circle. Apart from being a gangsta rapper, who clearly practice what he preaches, what kind of qualification/Education does this dude have, not counting any jail house crap. This is what is put in the face of the belizean youths to follow. What do you expect; nothing much here. I tell you what it is, ‘the money is the motive’. You know, I remember one article about the Belizean who killed his lab partner in California, one guy stated that Belize is a backwards nation. For the current situation, he is not lying. still you have people there chanting UDP…PUP, while their kids are at home hungry. Go figure. Dictator Barrow have no problem baggering anyone to death, who challenges him, or watch them die in the street fighting for their rights. No problem what so ever. What’s wrong with Belize? If the people of Belize don’t know and can’t figure it out, then there is no mystery why we are living the way we are. Seems to be the norm as far as they’re concerned.
Very valid comments everyone. Lawyers have no morality. They know a criminal killed someone, yet they are able to get them off their charges. gnikuF shame on u! Now unu show up to save the day.
Belizeans, lets demand that the government step down. They are useless and cannot lead. Time for new leaders who love the country and will ensure that justice previals. I love Belize and it hurts me to see it going in this direction. Enuff is enuff! Lets take back Belize!
Police corruption starts from the top and trickles right down. Everyone has been saying over and over that the Minister for National Security knows nothing and cannot handle the job yet he is still there. What is the PM waiting for, lives are lost every day. Children, victims of stray bulletts. Yet people’s crying just fall on deaf ears. Get rid of Jeffries, this job is too big for him.
Tourism Board better change its slogan on Belize….Mother Nature’s Best Ket Secret……it no longer applies to Belize….Belize is now known internationall for this increased crime rate, poverty and police corruption….
all wat our police want is money they only. and they are drank when they are working.
Why take so long to see that this was a murder case this is an open close case but racism within the police department will never stop and more over all the good cops are gone. The police department have no good leader ship jefferies is pure mr…….. They need to charge that cop or else belize will shut down.
because of some dishonest vally everyone have fu pay, now people think all police them corrupt, what the go on?
It is important to know your constitution. Belize is a sovereign country and is no longer a colony. Though the Queen is the Head of State, she is not the head of the Government. What makes you think that the Brits would want to come in anyway. We chose independence. We are responsible for this country and we need to step up and stop expecting outsiders to care or to come in and save us. This is our mess. We made it. We have the responsibility to our children to fix it. That means all of us, regardless of party.
And why the heck was Sanchez with so much protection, why did he have bullet proof jacket? Obviously he was infuriated and out of control and was very dangerous.
If only more than 27 people would hear about this!
Wow I’m honestly the first comment to your incredible article.
If only I had a penny for each time I came here! Superb article!