Suspect charged in latest city murder

There is no shortage of efforts being made–both public and private–to bring down the level of fatal violence in Belize, particularly in the old capital. But it is becoming more apparent that until the massive northbound trade in cocaine is curbed, there is little chance of ending the bloodshed that inevitably accompanies that lucrative commerce. Today there was another body in the morgue and one more suspect in custody.

Jacqueline Godwin, Reporting
Twenty-two year old Harrison Smith is the person Belize City police believe shot and killed Reynato Logan shortly after midnight on Monday night. When police arrived on the scene they found Logan lying in a pool of blood through Taylor?s Alley. He had been shot multiple of times but was struggling to stay alive and managed to talk to the officers on the scene.

A.S.P. Chester Williams, O.C., C.I.B.
?The police received some information form him in relation to the shooting, which subsequently led to his death. We have acted upon on that information that we have received from him.?

?Harrison Smith will be charged sometime today in connection with the murder of Reynato Logan.?

Jacqueline Godwin
?Do you believe the evidence you have against Mister Smith is strong enough to bring about a conviction??

Chester Williams
?It is good, but it is something that we need to work on. It is sufficient to make an arrest, but in order to secure a conviction to be sure of a conviction we need to work on it some more. As the investigation goes along we will try to get whatever other additional evidence we can in order to ensure that we get a conviction at the end of the day.?

Logan was shot at least seven times.

Jacqueline Godwin
?Why do you believe Reynato was killed??

Chester Williams
?We have no specific reason at this time, but from what we are seeing so far it appears to be somewhat drug related.?

Sources tell news Five Logan was heard talking about certain discoveries made following a wet drop made earlier this year that has been linked to several recent attacks and two other homicides. Head of the Belize City Crimes Investigation Branch, Assistant Superintendent Chester Williams, says they are still trying to determine how Logan may have been involved.

Chester Williams
?But we have not confirmed as yet, we still need to work on it to be certain that that is the cause for his death.?

Williams credits the good working relationship between the authorities and the community that led to the quick arrest.

Chester Williams
?In our investigation, we have been receiving incredible help from the community. In many instances when we have crimes like this or even crimes of similar nature be it robberies or other shooting incidents, and as I mentioned before, I credit it to the good police work and the good community relationship with the police.?

?I must say that statistics have proven that almost two months now we have not had a murder in Belize City, and it was expected. We cannot keep the city murder free. The best we can do is to continue what we have been doing over the past few months to keep the crime situation where it is right now. The fact that one man was murdered last night it does not mean that crime will get out of control.?

The latest police initiative to crack down on crime focuses on the business community and the prevention of robberies. According to Williams the plan of action involves more than just an increase in mobile patrols.

Jacqueline Godwin
?And when the police visit these establishments they are not only there to communicate but the officers as well must sign a log book??

Chester Williams
?Yes they must sign a log book. We have asked the business owners to put in place that will be signed by the officers. During that operation a vehicle is assigned specifically to do the business checks. So with the vehicle they will have enough time to make coverage of all the business places that they need to cover.?

The business owners are also given tips on how to improve security.

The police say they have noticed an increase in robberies against business establishments and their investigations have revealed that many of these crimes involve the collusion of employees.