Belize City Woman Hospitalized After Stabbing During Altercation on King Street

A Belize City woman is recovering in hospital following a stabbing incident that occurred on Saturday evening in the downtown area of Belize City.  Police say that sometime around 6:30, emergency services received information that a person with stab wounds was being transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.  Upon arrival at the hospital, Precinct One Criminal Investigation Branch personnel interviewed the victim, identified as 32-year-old Shanda Shepherd, an unemployed Belizean resident of Mahogany Street. Investigators say Shepherd had sustained several superficial stab wounds to her body.  Initial investigations reveal that at approximately 6:45 p.m., Shepherd was shopping at a business identified as John Chinese Shop on King Street when she was reportedly approached from behind by two women. Police say an altercation broke out during which one of the women allegedly produced a knife.  During the confrontation, Shepherd received a small cut to her upper left hand and another to the left side of her rib cage.  Investigators have since identified one of the alleged attackers as Dawn Alvarez, who was reportedly accompanied by her sister at the time of the incident. Both women fled the area on foot along King Street following the altercation. Shepherd was treated at the hospital and listed in stable condition.  Police say a medical form has been issued and investigations into the stabbing remain ongoing as authorities continue efforts to locate the two suspects.