Businesswoman assassinated

Li Lihan He

The second murder occurred in Belize City. The victim was well known businesswoman in her neighborhood.  But while it had the appearance of a scripted robbery, it was anything but a robbery. It was a cold blooded murder.  It is not certain who wanted the woman dead, but her life was extinguished with precision. Isani Cayetano combed the neighborhood for clues.

Isani Cayetano, Reporting

The murder of Chinese grocer Li Lihan He, popularly known as Carrie, has stunned residents of the Kraal Road community.  Shortly before eleven o’clock on Sunday night, the fifty year old businesswoman was shot while standing inside her store.  According to a police report, He, who was in the presence of an employee, was accosted by a lone gunman.  He took aim at her and fired twice.

Gaynor Joseph, Friend of Deceased

“Last night I was on the verandah like a little bit after ten [o’clock when] I heard to shots.  I was about to run when they said, “no, just wait.”  I ran out there and by the time I got out there I saw a vehicle speeding off.  I ran into the store and I asked her attendant what happened and he said [that] they just shot her, they didn’t ask anything.  So I ran back home and I went to the hospital.  When I went to the hospital I asked how she was doing and they said she was stable.  But after a minute they said that were going into the theater.  I stood outside the operating room, me, her sister, her brother, her good friend Michelle.  We stood outside waiting, like a little bit after one o‘clock], I think it was like 1:10 a.m. or thereabouts when he [the doctor] came out and he said he wanted to speak with the family.  So, we all went into the room and he mentioned to us that the bullet came through the left side of her back and exited the front side of her stomach.”

Carrie would not survive the ordeal.  Despite all attempts at saving her, the internal damages resulting from the gunshot were simply too extensive.

Gaynor Joseph

Gaynor Joseph

“She was in total shock, he mentioned to me, and everything was destroyed.  So there was no way they could have saved her, you know.”

Isani Cayetano

“Did you gather from her attendant that this was a robbery or if this was something other than someone just attempting to take the life of this innocent woman?”

Gaynor Joseph

“From, like I mentioned, I just ran into the store briefly and I asked him what happened and he said they did not ask for anything, they just fired.  So that’s all I can say for now, you know.”

Li Lian He moved to the location on Kraal Road almost sixteen years ago, where she established her business.  The single mother was a fixture in the community, assisting residents with items from her store whenever she felt it necessary.  A motive for the deadly attack is yet to be determined.

Gaynor Joseph

“Carrie was a very friendly and loving person, well liked in the neighborhood.  Carrie was not a typical or ordinary Chinese that comes into the Belizean community and like what people would say the Chinese are somewhat antisocial.  That was not Carrie.  Carrie and everybody is friend in the neighborhood.  If there is a death in the neighborhood she would definitely send over something, you don’t need to ask, she would send it, noh.  And if there is something you would need at no point would Carrie say, “well, not today.”  She is always willing to give.”

Recovered from the scene of the incident were two expended, nine millimeter shells.  Belize City police are continuing their investigation into the homicide. Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.