Jose Matus Escapes Attempt on His Life
Jose Matus
On Friday evening in Belize City, a well-known underworld figure was targeted by a lone gunman in the Lake Independence area. Forty-seven-year-old Jose Matus was driving a vehicle in the vicinity of Morning Glory Street when a shooter emerged on the scene and opened fire at him. Matus was lucky to have escaped unscathed from the neighborhood before coming to a stop in Mahogany Street. Matus, who is believed to be affiliated with a known gang in the area, has reported on previous occasions that he has been threatened. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero, patrols have been ramped up in Lake-I to prevent a reprisal.
Hilberto Romero
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“On Friday, October 13th, 2023 around 5:50 p.m., Jose Matus reported that he was in the area of Morning Glory Street dropping off a female when he was approached by a male person who fired several shots towards his vehicle. He fled from the scene and stopped down Mahogany Street. He checked his vehicle and saw several bullet holes on his vehicle and no one was injured and we have no suspect at this time.”
Reporter
“Sir, is it a fact that his vehicle was found or he was found with his vehicle at the home of one of the principal people in the BLC gang, Mr. Brandon Baptist?”
Hilberto Romero
“He was found on the street in that area off Mahogany Street. That is all I will say.”
Reporter
“Okay, now there are reports that this is gang-related. We know Mr. Matus is a very well-known figure. We know that he’s associated with certain illicit movements in the north of the country. From what you all know so far, was it gang-related?”
Hilberto Romero
“I cannot confirm whether it’s gang-related, I know he has several incidents that he reported in the past where he has been threatened and that is all that we have at this time.”
Reporter
“Were the police surprised to hear Mr. Matus who operates out of the Corozal area, to hear him operating out of this area?”
Hilberto Romero
“He reported that the came to the area to do some transaction, that is all we have. Yes, we have our patrols who are in the area and they responded.”
Reporter
“Are the police expecting any retaliation between PIV and BLC, since Mr. Matus is seen to be an ally of BLC?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes, we are in the area trying to prevent any sort of retaliation and again, we continue to conduct our searches and our operations to prevent any escalation of any retaliation.”
