Churchgoer killed in front of Royal Wholesale
francis figueroa
Two Belize City men lost their lives to violence over the past weekend in the continued bloodbath in the city streets. One was the brutal stabbing of a man described as a hard-working churchgoer early on Friday night. In the other case, an eighty year old father was badly beaten and killed by his son earlier on Friday. We turn to the first incident, which occurred in front of Royal Wholesale on Vernon Street, and claimed the life of one of its employees – a second tragedy for the Galvez and Schakron families in just a matter of months, as Marion Ali reports.
Marion Ali, Reporting
It was just five months ago in December that the Galvez and Schakron families, owners of Royal Wholesale on Vernon Street had to bury their loved one, Christopher Galvez. But these families are again burdened with another death, another murder. The victim this time was twenty-seven year old Francis Figueroa, an employee of the business and a man who had just returned from the US a couple of months ago with the intention of working to help his family. And to get a job, he went to ask Yolanda Schakron, the aunt of his old time neighbour and late friend, Christopher Galvez.
Yolanda Schakron, Co-Owner, Royal Wholesale
YOLANDA SCHAKRON
“Ih seh I want a job, can you give me a job? I said okay. Francis turn out to be I would call almost a perfect employee; dedicated, very, very hard-working, never complain, willing to learn the job. He started to learn how to do the calculations, how to do the taxes. And Francis would always come to me and say Ms. Yol how am I doing? I seh Francis, you are a very good employee, I’m so impressed, I’m so happy. And it’s ironic, Friday I gave him a raise I said because you are doing such a good job.”
And after work on Friday, Figueroa went home, just a block away to this humble dwelling where he resided with his aunts and grandmother. He went back out to buy food for the family that same night. But Figueroa became embroiled in a fist fight with someone who reportedly tried to take advantage of him and he was defending himself when his rival’s accomplices showed up and overpowered him.
ALICE FIGUEROA
Alice Figueroa, Grandmother of Murder Victim
“He just come home and said grandma I’m coming back, auntie I’m coming back. What you guys going to eat tonight, fried chicken? And he left.”
Yolanda Schakron
“This guy started interfering with him, telling him stuff and Francis seh it’s my Sabbath, that’s according to what the witnesses seh. I don’t like to fight. But then the guy called him some name and punched him and Francis was a trained boxer in the states, so Francis punched him back, which you know, everybody want defend themselves. I guess he got enough and when Francis punch him back, Francis had him in a hold. Apparently a car stopped and other guys jumped out, they’re affiliated with a certain gang, and I believe that’s when the knife was given.”
Figueroa suffered seven stab wounds to his body, including one to his heart, another to his face, and several to his legs, shoulders and arms. And even though he was so viciously attacked, his family and employer do not believe it was the result of any previous conflict.
Alice Figueroa
“When he comes from work he just comes home and he would just lie down and rest and go back to work and just like that. I don’t know anything. I don’t think so. I don’t think he had any conflict with anybody.”
Yolanda Schakron
“The other guy used to come in here and Francis was nice to everyone and Francis used to tell him I hope you turn your life to God. They say every time the other guy would get drunk he would insult Francis about that.”
Figueroa’s church pastor told News Five that the deceased had just recently joined his church and was encouraging others to fear God.
GELDER GAMBOA
Gelder Gamboa, Pastor, 7th Day Adventist Church, Bze City
“He just gave his life to the Lord a month ago at the campaign that we had here at the Conch Shell Bay. With that I am saying that he knew there was a purpose for his life and when I heard the sad news I was devastated.”
The man police have named in the confrontation, twenty-six year old Raymond Myers Junior, also known as Big Tug, remains at large after he fled the scene following Friday night’s incident. Reporting for News Five, I am Marion Ali.
Myers was the target of a shooting in 2006 but survived the attack, in which he was shot twice to the chest. He survived he told the media back then because he was wearing a bullet proof vest.
I knew Francis from when he was a young kid and this was truly a very god kid. Always saying yes sir or yes ma’am and i also knew his murderer from he was a boy and he was always bad to the bone.Hanging out on the street corner with nothing to do but causing trouble with others.This is at least his 4th murder that we know of. Why is he still on the streets is beyond me. He took away a child of God but Francis is in a good place now. He gave his life to God so there is no doubt in my mind, he’s hanging out up there with angels like himself. R.I.P Francis. We all love and miss you dearly.
There is HOPE in this story in that the deceased became a Christian…He is ALIVE in heaven for eternity…it is sad his life on earth was ended, but to know that he is with Jesus celebrating LIFE in heaven brings hope. people, give your life, heart and soul to Jesus Christ…He died so that you might live eternally…nothing on earth is certain…but Christ’s love and forgiveness over you is a FACT…John 3:16…for God so loved the world that He sent His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will NOT perish but will have everlasting life!
That he used to go to church doesnt mean that he was a good person.
Unfortunately that idiot survived the last attack on him, next time he won’t be so lucky or have the chance to boast about wearing a bullet proof vest, because the next shooter will be smart enough to shoot him in the head.
No one is safe in Belize these days, people are getting hurt inside their homes, and out on the streets, if you are out of that country stay out, you will live longer.
I am so fed up this situation in Belize even though I live abroad because my family still there what is Mr. Barrow doing to help in some ways to stem the tied of killing in this our beautiful country come on do something to help.
They Just need to start hanging these people, Francis is my brother and we were very close and I love him very much, and for them to just come and take his life so easily is the hardest thing for me to deal with. But all these people that are out there killing just because they can, will face their maker as well and will have their own judgement day which they will have to asnwer to. Its really hard for me to comprehend that my brother is actually gone and he will no longer call me just to say hi and he loves me, but I find peace in knowing that my brother is resting in a better place. Its so hard for me because words cant explain how much I love my brother, he is part of me and i am part of him, and one thing I know was that my brother was a strong person, he fought for his life till the end, he never gave up. Something needs to be done in Belize because it is getting out of control and they are killing innocent people!!!! All these people that get arrested have big smiles on their face when they are taken in because they know that they are going to get out, thats why they need to just hang them so they can understand the seriousness of their crime becuase they dont value life.
ms it’s true what you say about going to church doesn’t mean you’re a good person BUT AT LEAST HE HAD GOOD INTENTIONS OF CHANGING HIS LIFE FOR A BETTER ONE. WHAT ABOUT YOU DO YOU GO TO CHURCH? I APPLAUD THIS GUY FOR DOING SOMETHING POSITIVE WITH HIS LIFE BUT YOU SEE THE EVIL IS REALLY STRONG IN BELIZE CITY STREETS.
Belize is sooooo small, our population is not even at 1/2M & we are so corrupted, what will happen next to us, what will it take for us to take control & have peace & order.
Any child who is not in school especially boys should be taken off the streets & put into the defence force or the police force & get some training & labor to protect & clean our Jewel instead of destroying it, & when they think they can escape, pick them back up & show them who is in control, we got to adopt Fidel Castro’s way, or these young animals will take us over.
Putting the thugs in the defence force or police wont make the country any better, they’ll still be bad and do their dirty deeds because they’ll be wearing a uniform then. What thecourts need to do is have them do hard labor, go back to the days of the chain gang, have them fix the roads using their hands (no up-to-date equiptments) have them chopping the sides of the roads daily and cleaning around the city and country, find all the menial jobs for them to do, and dont be feeding them any fancy food. Justice will somehow be served and the Government will be getting free labor to clean and beautify the country
I am sure dickie is working on his legal shyt to see how this …… gets out free.. .. he is just as bad as the criminals are..
My name is Christina, I knew him by Shamir Francis. We fell in love while he was in the states. He was ans will forever be know as the gretest love of my life. He always believed in God. We used to read the bilbe alot together but he fought so many demonds because of his life. All the struggles and pain he had been through. It eases the heartache I feel to know that he indeed turn his whole life to our God. For that I am ever so grateful. Now I know I shall see him again! He always said he wanted to go back home. Maybe there he found peace that he could not find here. My heart is completely shattered. I will ALWAYS LOVE HIM! May God rest your soul, Shamir, my love……………..
The air fare for Belize is down to 381.00 US round trip….I never saw it this low, is that telling us something?
BELIZEANGYPSY…… That is a fantastic idea!!!
We need to have them repay their debt to society, and the “beautification” makes good sense.
GoB… R U listening????????????
You are right! going to church doesn’t make you a good person, but eventually you become who you hang around … Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God….It is a good place to hang out!
I agree with BELIZEANGYPSY we should have the chain gang why house and feed these animals let them work for their keep since when they were free they could only kill and steal well lets teach them how to be productive human beings you took from us so now work for us beautify our roads and streets for our enjoyment. The Government does not have the money to have it done(they say) so the money you are spending on the electricity, water,food, and medical for these low lifes get it back by having them work for us the good citizens that pay taxes and deserve to have a clean country. Ministers are you reading any of this or will you continue to ignore the people that sent you to Belmopan remember you will want to go back again and we are watching……..
It breaks my heart to hear senseless killing in Belize, if they ARE so CALLED MAN, WHY DO YOU PUNKS RUN WHEN POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR YOU. Francis saw that things were not right and changed his ways, that is what all these GANGSTERS SHOULD DO, “change”. …..
All this God rhetoric makes me feel like this country will never move forward if turning to Christ is considered the best solution to our problems.
I bet most of the murderers believe in God. It doesn’t make a difference. People use God to justify good and evil. It’s dysfunctional, peeps.
What people do and what they believe in does not dictate who God is. He is soverign, He is Just, He is Holy, He is omnipotent, He is the King of Glory, and He is a Just Judge. These people may claim to know God do not know the Jehovah Shalom for he is the God of Peace. Any one who has accepted him, not only Savior but as the Lord of their life, is Born again of the Spirit & filled with the Holy Spirit, will tell you what a difference He has made in their life. God is perfect in all his ways, not us, are righteousness is as filthy rags, we can only become the Righteousness of God. Everyone who claims to know Jesus The Christ does not, The Word of God says you will know them by their fruit.
Matthew 7:18-21………A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Belizean ppl cant you all see that the government do not care…….When you all going to get it…….they want this … to go on…….I am a getto youth i know wat i am talking about…..the only time u see them is election day…..SOS….belizeans need to save themselves…
And like what i have been saying from last week it will only get worst. my sympathy goes out to the family , but he is in a better place .
to kill a snake you need to chopped off his head so i say we should start hanging these animals because these are not people anymore they violated all human rights when they killed so one in cold blood Belize people need to come together this not about udp or pup or thing don’t let nothing divided us don’t wait until crime or vilence affect your family to say enough is enough for that we have a problem we need to fix it and it will not happen over night to we have to crawl before we walk that is what we need to do take small steps to making Belize a better place not even 1/2 million people come on we shouldn’t the have so much crimes something wrong the PM minister of national security and commissioner need to step up and do a better job because they are not handling the situation and if they can’t handle it then they should step down let someone else do it because they are not doing a good job R.I.P Francis you will be miss
Whether you may believe in God or not, (which I do), is individual, and like you or the other party we can not prove it. But right here and now a murder was committed and I agree with almost all commentators that what has worked in the past ought to be brought out again, hard labor, hanging, and who was humane to their ‘rights?’ Christians and other religions…but yes hard labor is a very good alternative, pay those watching really good so they will not be corrupted which is another problem in Belize now.
MS…no going to church doesnt make u a good person, but my brother was a good person, he never killed anyone, stole anything, or had any intentions to hurt anyone!!!!!! him going to church was just a part of who he was! i know my brother better than anyone and he was a good person there is nothing about him that anyone can tell me that i dont know or will change how i feel about my brother.
that low life sorry excuse for a person, who has no respect for human life was shot twice in the chest and survived because he was wearing a bullet proof vest!!!!!!!! next time they need to aim for his …. head!!!!!!
hey christina aka his sweet love, yea my brother whent by shamir that was his midde name! so u know my borther? when did u meet him?
For all u ,,,,, saying turning to god or going to church doesn’t make u a good person, my brother wasn’t someone that was trying to turn his life around or trying to change, he was a good and humble person before then, going to was a choice he made because that’s where he found his peace! all the bs giong on in the city, why the .. would u wanna be out their in clubs and hanging on the cornor smoking, drinking and robbing, going to church was a place of peace and comfort.
Hey Tanisha.. this is Tracey that used to live next door to you. I don’t know if you will see this, but I am saddened to hear this news about your brother. I wanted to apologize for what has happened and extend my condolences to you and your family. May God bless you and your family with strength and serenity in this difficult time.
I grieve for the family of Francis and the many others that have perished innocently on the streets of Belize. Our country is in a state of emergency and our prime minister and the other leaders of our country MUST MAKE brave decisions to combat this problem. Quick unorthodox short term solution is necessary to regain control and confidence followed by a long term solution that is focused on social improvement. But A BOLD message must be sent out to these senseless criminals. They are all cowards!! At times, you gotta fight fire with fire, use a few of them to teach a lesson to the others. Do not treat them as citizens of this nation. These criminals are becoming role models to our young generation. They are seen as the untouchables who can dodge bullets and get away with four to five murders and no jail sentence. They brag to the school drop outs who now want to be bigger and better than the legends that have been created on the streets of Belize. The problem first need to be understood, before solutions can be sought. A Message to proud athiest …Christianity has done wonders for many families in Belize and other countries. Without christians, our world would be upside down and freedom as we know it, would be just an idea. You should try praying and hope that he is out there for if he is not, then your life is meaningless.
That …… got shot twice in the chest after he murder someone before and he survived, just to commit another murder, next time they need to shoot his a…in his …. head!!! no no they need to seal his …. in a barrell and put holes in it and throw his …. in the river and let him die a slow painful death!
Only a FOOL says that there is no GOD!!!!!!
I agree with BelizeanGypsy as well they make a good point. What’s the sense of reforming people when they dont want to. Who maintains the cells they sleep in and the food they eat?
True, not all the prisoners are heartless killers, rapers, etc. so why treat them the same way. Why should the ones that were imprisoned for a misdemeanor be treated, clothed, fed the same as those murderers. People being killed for a quarter, for walking down the wrong street, for wearing the wrong color clothes, for a cellphone. Is that the worth of a life?
The people that do these things over and over have no heart or conscience. If they commit a crime in society, they should pay it back by, if they take away a life; justice should be served let the punishment fit the crime. I say take away their right, their freedom, their choice.
I would jus like to say one thing an one thing only…..i am a proud Belizean staying in Chicago right now an regardless of all the crimes dat r happening i cant wait to get home…why u may ask wld i want to com bac there…because that is my hom regardless….i hav my family there…..See it frm my point of view doesn’t crime happen everywhere??What makes Belize so bad because of the things dat r happening noooooooooooo….we cannot put down OUR COUNTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyday in the US someone dies prob in every city in the world someone is killed….I hav been to Chicago not even 4mths as yet an all the things dat have been going on in jus the city alone is unbelieveable…I went to the grocery store an a man an some women came in crying asking if we hav seen a little girl he had a pic wit……someone snatched the little girl frm off her bac porch(in the snow) she had no shoes on or jaket….right then an there my eyes were filled wit tears!The other day a man was found in his car rapped up in a blanket with a gun shot to the head!!!!!!!!! Com on my fellow Belizeans open up ur eyes an stop putting our country down for a next country where worst crimes r being committed!!! U might say its because it hasn’t hit home for me to feel the pain, but it has an yes i was angry but not of wat people call(BELIZE IS GETTING BAD AN ON LIVEABLE) but because of diff things…I LOVE BELIZE an i dont c myself living no other place!!!!!!!!! Many innocent people get killed but as i said b4 crime happens EVERYWHERE jus because Belize is small it seems dat the place is so awful….When i get bac to Belize i will go clubbin an hav a good time an u no if something happens to me it is wat it is but i will tell my fellow Belizeans this we all hav one life to live an i REFUSE to liv my life in FEAR….because wen u think about it u stay hom an u get killed, u go out an u get killed!!!!!!!! When it is ur time its ur time, theres no hiding frm it….Live your life hav TRUST in the ALMIGHTY FATHER an he will see you tru…….. BELIZE MY HOME SWEET HOME (NO MATTA WAT)
This stuff really discourages people from coming back to Belize 🙁 but what we need is to execute a few people like this fat retard that committed this act, that way none of those other lowlife people with nothing to do would dare to commit a crime again knowing that they will also be deprived of their life if they deprive another of theirs.
And yes I do know that chapter 1 of the constitution does give the protection of life, guarantee of fair trial and protection by the state for it is stated that “all are entitled to the right to life and their life should not be arbitrarily taken away”
hey tracey yea i did see ur comment, im always reading these comments i cant get my brother off my mind i jus got back from the funeral, im still having a hard time dealing with everything!!! tracey from MV, cali right??
Protecting our jewel is all our responsibility , not just national security Minister and Compol ,also evrey Belizean citizen is a humanbeing that should be treated with respect and dignity , however , Holy Scripture Declare , DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU !!!!