Double Murder in the City; a Mother of 8 and a Man is Killed
Allen Garcia & Cynthia Conorquie
The gun violence in Belize City ended with the double murder of a mother of eight and a youth from her neighborhood. Reports are that both victims were gunned down when a lone gunman opened fire, then simply walked away. It is not yet known what triggered the attack, but the killings have devastated yet another family. News Five’s Duane Moody went looking for answers.
Duane Moody, Reporting
Around 7:30 p.m., shots rang out inside a residence on Logwood Street in Belize City. As the echoes of the blasts subsided, two persons had been killed, including a mother of eight. Forty-nine-year-old Cynthia Conorquie was at home when a gunman jumped a fence to the rear of the compound and opened fire. Twenty-one-year-old Vernon Street resident, Allen Garcia, who frequented the house was sitting on the steps when he was struck multiple times, including once to the head. Relatives say an injured Conorquie collapsed while trying to make her way to a structure to the front of the property.
Voice of: Daughter of Cynthia Conorquie
“My mom was the nicest persons to her children, family and even stranger. She was the type of person who would never think twice to share an extra plate of food with anyone in need.”
When we visited Garcia’s family this morning, they were too distraught to provide an on camera interview to News Five about the murder of their loved one. They did say, however, that Allen was not involved in any gang and had no beef with anyone. There is speculation however that Garcia very likely knew his killer.
The double murder has shocked the entire community because both victims are not being described as being caught up in the criminal justice system. While they granted us interviews, without showing their faces, Cynthia Conorquie’s relatives speak of losing both parents within eighteen months.
Voice of: Daughter of Cynthia Conorquie
“When our dad passed away eighteen months ago from stroke, she was the one who tried to be strong for all of us and tried to wipe our tears instead of wiping her tears. My mom was someone who loved the Lord and also was a joyful person and she will be missed.”
Voice of: Sister-in-law of Cynthia Conorquie
“She was a loving person towards me. She married to my brother for so many years and we grow up like sisters and not sister-in law. When I got a lee problem, me and she woulda talk and run wah lee joke and say make we pray over it or let’s go party. She was loving and always help yo if yo need; she was there for you.”
Duane Moody for News Five.
