Denvoy Bartley Charged for New Year’s Murder of Lionel Budna

Denvoy Bartley

The first murder for the year occurred just minutes into the New Year and the victim was Lionel Budna, a twenty-five-year-old of Central American Boulevard. Back then, the family told News Five that they believed that his killer was someone he knew. Budna was shot twice and died on the spot. On Sunday, approximately five and a half months after the murder, police formally arrested and charged twenty-two-year-old Denvoy Bartley, a man who they say they’ve been looking for since then. ACP Hilberto Romero told the media that Bartley was in hiding, but was found inside a house over the weekend.

Hilberto Romero

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“We have since arrested and charged Denvoy Bartley for the crime of murder. This is after an investigation was conducted into the matter. We were looking for him from then and he was apprehended over the weekend. Further investigation was carried out and now he has been charged.”

Reporter

“Where was he found?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“He was found here in Belize City.”

Lionel Budna

Reporter

“What’s the motive?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“We did not establish a clear motive for this murder.”

Reporter

“Is he cooperating with police?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“No, not at this time, no.”

Duane Moody

“So it is believed that he had absconded?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“Yes, he was hiding. We are not sure where he was, but he was found over the weekend here in Belize City.”

Reporter

“Was he found inside a home?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“Yes, inside a home.”

Reporter

“Is that homeowner or the person living there…?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“He was found alone when he was found.”

Late this evening, Bartley, a twenty-two-year-old Banak Street resident was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Aretha Ford for the crime. Due to the nature of the offence, bail could not be granted and Bartley was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until August fifteenth, 2023.