Belize City man dead in driveby shooting

Weekend shootings in the poorer neighborhoods of Belize City are not uncommon these days, but more often than not the victim has some connection with the shooter. While one incident last night loosely fits this pattern, a second appears to have been a deadly exception. Jose Sanchez Reports.

Jose Sanchez, Reporting

The first incident took place around 7:00 at the corner of Faber’s Road and Queen Charlotte Street. The bullet that caught Jamie Dawson in the back damaged his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed. Dawson, though conscious, remains uncooperative with the police.

One hour later, less than one hundred yards from where Dawson was shot, another man fell victim to gunfire, this time the results were fatal. The occupants of a white van drove by and shot Brian Smith while he was standing next to the Port Loyola Shopping Center. Smith moved out of the neighborhood four years ago, but usually came back to play basketball. He was not believed to be involved in gang related activity, and according to co-workers at Atlantic Bank, he was a model citizen.

Sarita Morales, Supervisor, Credit Card Dept., Atlantic Bank

“Brian was the type of person who could relate to anyone, everyone loved him, he was friendly. He was a little clown and he’s gonna be missed very much. He was an excellent employee, he was always willing to assist anyone. He had a good heart.”

Brandon Williams, Co-worker

“He was always very active in sports, football, basketball, in everything. Very outspoken person, never afraid to say what he wants to say, and a friend to everyone. A father and outstanding individual.”

Jose Sanchez

“As a friend, did you expect like this could ever happen to him? Was he the kind of guy to get into trouble?”

Brandon Williams

“No, this is totally a shock to everyone.”

Less than a month ago, Smith moved into a new home with his common-law wife Natalie Espejo and their daughter Sharen.

Kendis Ferguson, Friend

“To the best of my knowledge Brian has very strong values with family: his mom, his sisters, his brothers, who he speaks of very highly of and of course his girlfriend Natalie and his young daughter. He loved them a whole lot. It would be nearly impossible to have a conversation with Brian without reference being made to his little empress as he would refer to his young daughter.”

“It is a very sad tragedy, one which will stick with us, his friends and definitely family for many years to come. It is indeed a tragedy.”

Reporting for News 5, Jose Sanchez.

It is believed that the two shootings are connected. No arrests have yet been made.