Possible suspect detained for questioning

Doug Singh

Before five o’clock this afternoon, when the protest had subsided, a suspect was taken to court in connection with the murders of the Chinese grocers as they stood inside their businesses on Kings Street and Fabers Road. A nine millimeter handgun and ten rounds of ammo were found shortly after and they are believed to have been used in the murders.  Eighteen year old John Cayetano was charged for the Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. This afternoon Minister of Police Doug Singh spoke on the measures being taken as well as the progress being made in their investigations.

Doug Singh, Minister of Police

“We had a total of thirty-five police officers that were deployed from Belmopan in the streets of Belize.  We had an additional officers, eighteen persons from various districts countrywide who formed a part of the support base in Belize during that period.  I make this point ladies and gentlemen and members of the media because it is as a result of the increase presence on the street that we were able to apprehend two individuals and got what we believed to be two guns that were committed in two of those murders over the weekend.  In one case the gang unit was quick and they responded within fifteen minutes and was able to detain the individual and found the firearm.  In the case of the latter murder of the Chinese lady there was also a speedy response that also realized an individual, a suspect whom I believe has been identified in a lineup parade today and also the weapon that we believe to have been involved in that murder.”