Area Rep. for Belize Rural Central calling for proper investigation in the two police killings in the Ladyville community

On Wednesday afternoon, Ladyville resident Travis McKay was shot and killed by the police. His brother states he witnessed the police use unnecessary force when an officer pushed the face of Travis in the mud after he had been shot and laid dying. There has been serious concern on the police actions while in some quarters there has been outright condemnation. This afternoon,  Area Representative for Belize Rural Central, Dolores Balderamos Garcia say this is the second shooting this year that has ended in the death of a young Ladyville resident at the hands of the Police. In both instances there are many questions regarding the shootings, and while she says she cannot make definitive pronouncements about the exact facts of the cases, she added her voice to the cries of concern.  Says Balderamos Garcia (Quote)  “That in no way can we as civilized persons and communities turn a blind eye to what appears to be extra-judicial killings by the Police. Regardless of the alleged crimes of robbery and burglary that these young men were accused of, the Police have no right whatsoever to assume unto themselves the role of the judicial system. All citizens have the right to a fair trial and to due process of the law, notwithstanding that communities are being plagued by many crimes. The Police must be held accountable, since we cannot condone Police impunity.” (Unquote)  The area rep joins the families of Ryan Lozano and Travis McKay and with all Ladyville residents in calling for a full and proper investigation of all the circumstances of these two killings in the Ladyville community.