Four Men Injured in Lake Independence Shooting

Police in Belize City are investigating an attempted murder following a Friday evening shooting that left four men injured in the Lake Independence area.  The incident occurred shortly after six-thirty Friday evening at the basketball court behind the Charles Bartlett Hyde building, commonly known as “the Complex,” on McKenzie Street. Reports indicate that several men were socializing on the bleachers when a gunman emerged from beneath the structure and opened fire.  Those injured have been identified as twenty-two-year-old welder Jahreem Staine of Electric Avenue, twenty-two-year-old labourer Devon Parham of Giles Street, twenty-seven-year-old barber Anthony Reyes of Bryant Estate in Burrell Boom, and twenty-three-year-old Tyrique Westby of Crown Street.  Investigators say all four men sustained gunshot injuries to the lower body and were transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment, where they remain in stable condition.  Police say the gunman reportedly fled after firing multiple shots, and at some point another individual fired in the direction of the shooter, who escaped the area.  Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith says investigators have processed the scene and recovered several expended shells as the probe continues.

ACP Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “The investigation began on Friday February 20 at approximately 6:40 pm when officers on patrol in the Saint Martins de Porres area were alerted to the sounds of gunshots in the vicinity of the Charles Bartlett HydeBuilding. Officers immediately proceeded in the direction in which the shots were heard and they were further advised by police at the control room that the incident occurred at the basketball court which is located behind the Charles Bartlett Hyde Complex Building. Police responded by transporting the injured individuals to hospital and the operational efforts including the cordoning the area with a view of apprehending the assailants. What we have learned so far and I must say that the incident was captured on police surveillance camera is that those four male persons along with others were on the bleachers in front of the basketball court when a male person emerged from behind the bleachers and went onto the court and fired several shots which resulted in the aforementioned injuries. The surveillance camera and the footage therefrom is being meticulously scrutinized with a view of apprehending this assailant. I don’t believe messages are sent in such deadly ways. I believe it was an intention. It is not the first occasion on which Mr.Staine has been targeted and this is the reason why on previous occasions when his matter was brought up for bail we would have made submissions to the court about the dangers that exist not only to Mr.Staine but to the public when it is that he is out.”

Smith also noted that Staine has been targeted on previous occasions and warned that his presence in public spaces can pose risks to those around him. She added that authorities are looking closely at the matter and indicated that the High Court could be asked to review and possibly tighten his existing bail conditions.

Scene of Crime personnel visited and processed the area as police continue their search for the suspect and work to determine a motive for the attack