Police hunt for killer of O.W. shopkeeper

It was a typical crime–the jacking of a Chinese owned shop–but with a fatal result. Belize’s latest murder took place in Orange Walk on Sunday afternoon. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods reports from the scene.

Tony Lee, Chair, Belize Chinese Assn., O.W.
?Well everybody right now is sympathising. It?s mourning, because Susan is a very nice woman and she is part of the Belizean society also. And all the neighbours around is really concerned about this case right now.?

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Chinese businesswoman, twenty-six year old Lou Xiao Yue–better known as Susan–was alone inside her store at number thirty-seven Fonseca Street when a young man entered the establishment and demanded money.

A.S.P. Miguel Seguro, Officer Commanding, O.W. Police
?Based on the investigation that we have done, actually witnesses had sighted an individual prior to that stabbing incident. We understand also, investigations reveal that the victim was by herself at the shop, and the suspected person was apparently waiting for the opportune time to commit his crime of robbery and eventually murder that we have here today.?

At the crime scene, police recovered this bloodstained nine-inch steak knife they believe the killer used to stab Susan two times in the left arm and chest.

A.S.P. Miguel Seguro
?Based on the post-mortem that was conducted, according to Dr. Estradabran, it punctured the heart. The victim, according to witnesses, when she collapsed she personally took out the knife from out of her chest.?

Police say as the murderer ran away, a witness tried to catch him, but he got away.

A.S.P. Miguel Seguro
?I believe the individual is still in Orange Walk, we have witnesses who are working along with the police who are assisting within the investigation. And this is also–I wish to tell the community that when you have people who assist us, only so we could combat this type of crime. So without the help of witnesses, we will not get any justice nor the perpetrator be brought to justice. So the witnesses are working along closely and believe that we will eventually identify this criminal.?

Tony Lee
?We have worked for about over twelve hours along with the policeman yesterday. The local Belizeans, the Chinese, the policeman are very concerned in fighting to get this guy so that justice will be taken care of.?

Jacqueline Woods, reporting for News Five.

The Orange Walk branch of the Belize Chinese Association is offering a five thousand dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Lou’s killer. If you have such information call 600-0699 or 610-2398.