Teenager Senselessly Murdered in the City of Belmopan

Leroy Cus

A teenager from Belmopan lost his life while on his way home on Wednesday night. Eighteen-year-old Leroy Cus was walking from the bus terminal to his address in the San Martin Area when he was robbed and stabbed to death. This is yet another senseless act of violence that has claimed the life of a teenager with a promising future. News Five’s Paul Lopez reports.

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Eighteen year old Leroy Cus was walking this walkway as he has been doing routinely for the past three months. Only this time, when he got to this location, he was ambushed, robbed, and stabbed to death; the life of another teenager taken senselessly.

Voice of: Virgilio Cus

Voice of: Virgilio Cus, Brother of Deceased

“About eight forty we found him. Before that, I was waiting for him at home. He usually would reach here around seven daily, from Monday to Friday. So, if whenever he is running late he would just message me and inform me that he would be running late. That way I wouldn’t have to be worrying about him. So, last night it was no text whatsoever. I was trying to do some work at the time and after seven thirty I realize he hadn’t reached home as yet. So, I started calling him and it just goes straight to voicemail. So, after the twelve calls I decided to go look for him as I know his path he usually takes home. We went; I and my next brother went. There right behind social security, approximately two hundred lines right behind Social Security and the police station probably nine hundred yards. And there I saw him lying down with his right hand on his chest. He was stabbed in his chest, behind his ears, his hand.”

Virgilio Cus is a graphic designer and the eldest of three brothers, including Leroy Cus, now deceased. They all migrated from San Pedro, Colombia, in Toledo District, to seek employment in the city. Leroy landed a job in Belize City three months ago as a graphic designer. Vergilio taught him all he knew about graphic designing.

Virgilio Cus

“He catch bus here approximately six o’clock every morning. He catches back bus after five from Belize City and reaches back here about six fifteen. That specific area, I would estimate he pass that area six thirty five daily.”

This afternoon, the two remaining brothers, along with their dad, visited the location where Leroy’s body was found. Fifteen cents, change left behind by his killer, was found at the spot where he took his final breath.

Virgilio Cus

“I will always remember him as someone just really happy, dedicated, willing to learn, to work. I recall before he went to Belize City to work, he told me that one day he would make me proud, and get that job that he learn. He had the desire to do it. That is what he loved. And, so said so done.”

The family is now calling on authorities to take swift action to apprehend the perpetrator. They are also asking that more lights be placed along the walkway.

Virgilio Cus

“I have been hearing a lot of stories about robberies at that said location, and I would just, it would be good if they install lights, and not just lights that are dull, but some really bright lights that are just under the trees, or put a camera or something because this could happen to anyone. Anyone this could happen to.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.