Police Say Surveillance Evidence Secured Murder Charge

Police, however, contend that there is sufficient evidence to charge Pacheco, despite reports that he was defending himself and property following an altercation with Villanueva over a dog. At the weekly press brief today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett said they are relying on surveillance footage to assist in the investigation.

ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“Reference the last murder in Belize City; Manuel Pacheco has since been arrested and charged for the crime of murder.”

Reporter

“His family, those I just spoken to privately, said that the man stoned his – they had an ongoing neighbor dispute and he felt that the man stoned his property. He knows the man is the owner of a licensed firearm and so he went out there thinking that he had shot his property and he went out there guns blazing. Was there any consideration that it may have been self defense or provocation or one of these things?”

Joseph Myvett

ACP Joseph Myvett

“No. Based on the evidence gathered by the police that supported the charge for murder.”

Reporter

“Ok. So, no need to consult the D.P.P. or that was done?”

ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“That was done but based on the evidence that was gathered that determined the charge of murder.”

Reporter

“There was video evidence, right? The family was saying that police took Pacheco back to the scene to review cameras in the night?”

ACP Joseph Myvett

“Yes, I believe that was done.”