23-Year-Old Man Shot Dead in Cotton Tree Village

Twenty-three-year-old Kareem Garcia was shot and killed in a brazen attack in Cotton Tree Village this morning. The Unitedville resident was reportedly working along the George Price Highway when two men on a motorcycle targeted him. Journalist Ljay was nearby and filed the following report.

Ljay Wade, Belmopan Correspondent: “Shortly after ten o’clock this morning the peaceful tranquility of Cotton Tree was disturbed after a barrage of gunshots were heard echoing throughout the community.  23-year-old Unitedville resident Kareem Garcia was doing construction work along the highway as a part of the George Price Highway Rehabilitation Project when he was targeted. According to police, Garcia was working alongside a group of men when two individuals rode upon a motorcycle and opened fire in Garcia’s direction.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “Garcia was along with coworkers in Cotton Tree Village when he was approached by two male persons onboard a motorcycle and one of those male persons produced a firearm and fired several shots that struck Mr.Garica fatally injuring him.”

Ljay Wade, Belmopan Correspondent:  Garcia tried to escape and managed to make it inside the King’s Children Home’s compound where he later collapsed and died. Police say they still can’t establish a motive, but did allude to a growing drug rivalry among villages in the Cayo district. 

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “We have not established a motive so far. What I will say is that Mr. Garcia is known to police. He has a matter before the court.”

Reporter: Is it directly related to the murder on Saturday of Mr. Hyde in Santa Elena ? 

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “It’s a very young investigation. We have not been able to establish a nexus between the two incidents. However, we are cognizant of the factors that are at play in that area in relation to the sale of drugs. So that is an angle that has been pursued. However, we have no conclusive position so far. 

Ljay Wade, Belmopan Correspondent: In June of this year, Garcia, along with four other persons, was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition after police found a loaded .22 pistol at a residence in Unitedville. Reporting for Love News, LJ Wade.

For clarification, the shooting did not occur on the grounds of the King’s Children’s Home.  We understand that in a desperate bid to save his life, Garcia ran onto the facility’s compound seeking refuge.  He subsequently collapsed on the grounds.