A Caye Caulker Man is Arrested for Woman’s Murder on Island
Donald Heredia
Five days ago, Caye Caulker resident, Jennifer Coleman was murdered at her apartment on the island when her throat was cut. Today, a mentally challenged man was charged for her murder. Fifty-two-year-old Donald Heredia appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith for arraignment. But his attorney, Mayor Darrell Bradley told the court that the accused has a long history of mental issues and he requested that a psychiatric evaluation be undertaken to determine if Heredia is of sound mind and understanding of what is transpiring. Heredia’s family was present in court for the proceedings. Allegations are that Heredia was at Coleman’s apartment when she was cut on the throat with a knife. A neighbour recalled seeing Coleman exit the apartment holding her neck area and blood gushing from her injury. She collapsed on the street just outside the apartment complex and by the time she was rushed to the polyclinic two blocks away, she was pronounced dead. It is believed that Coleman knew her attacker and likely invited him into her apartment. For the meantime, Heredia will sit at the Belize Central Prison until an evaluation is carried out. His next court date is set for October of this year.
It’s with a heavy heart that I read this; sadness for the victim’s family, and also for the Heredia’s. I find this hard to believe; a childhood friend so promising and smart from the days of primary school to SJC, and coming from a prayerful family. Five boys and one girl and a closely knit family but things seemed to have taken a turn for the worst after the mother died. I have a child and I preach and fuss because I know the struggles and I get resentment at times. They for one of the more affluent families in the neighborhood and this goes to show that money or the appearance of money doesn’t bring you happiness and we have to be strong parents. I had one who was strict and principled and we got our behinds whipped. Education and religion were stressed just as in the Heredia’s family. Poor Don started with cigarette at a young age , then marijuana, then cocaine and crack. I still can’t believe this and if you can see me behind this computer, I’m saddened. I honestly don’t think he’s even capable of doing this. He’d just ask for money at times and just walk around quietly. My prayers and deepest sympathies to all involved.
that no Dudley brother?