Former Border Manager Gunned Down in Succotz

Gonzalo Rosado

A well-known resident of San Jose Succotz is dead. Gonzalo Rosado was in charge of the Border Management Agency at the Belize/Guatemala border for a number of years before stepping down from the post.  But around seven o’clock Monday night, gunman pounced on him with lethal precision. A woman he had seen earlier that evening has been taken into custody as it is believed that she may be involved in the deadly ambush.  The search is on for two men who were also seen leaving the area after the incident.  News Five’s Isani Cayetano headed west today and has the following story.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

Gonzalo Rosado, a former border manager, had just returned home to San Jose Succotz, following a quick run to nearby Benque Viejo to pick up a young woman.  The fifty-four-year-old was outside of his home and seated in his pickup truck when several shots were fired.  When the shooting subsided, Rosado was found slumped over the steering wheel, mortally wounded from injuries he sustained at close range.  Moments later, Mayor Marconi Sosa got wind of the deadly incident.

Marconi Sosa, Mayor, Benque Viejo

“It’s a shock for me.  I didn’t know that he was wanted.  I didn’t know that he had any major problems, so this news came as a surprise indeed and having to learn that in effect he was shot, that made it worse.”

Rosado was assaulted by someone who reportedly approached the vehicle and took aim squarely at him.  The shocking murder on Monday night has left this quiet village shaken up.  It is unclear why Rosado was attacked in such deadly fashion.  While a criminal investigation is underway, the woman who he went to pickup from the neighboring community is in police custody.

Marconi Sosa

Marconi Sosa

“It is left for the police to identify who did the killing, but as I said, it is a great surprise for me indeed.”

Rosado’s family respectfully declined comment, however, his colleague in the United Democratic Party, outgoing Mayor Marconi Sosa, spoke about Rosado’s involvement in politics.

Marconi Sosa

“When he became the border manager, he insisted that he would not leave his politics and he continued doing the public speaking matters.  That is very diligent of a good partisan boy.  That is something that I would never forget Gonzalo for.  I know him as a very good ally, as a friend that is going to speak with you the truth that he felt was supposed to have been said and he always directed you to do doing the things that you are supposed to do when you are going to speak to people.  That generally is my relationship with him.”

According to residents in the area, a pair of men and a woman were seen leaving the area following the shooting.  Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.