Police Detain Suspected Gunman in Dr. Naum Bonilla Murder Case

Police have reportedly made significant progress in the murder investigation of Belmopan physician Dr. Naum Ulices Bonilla, with authorities detaining a man from rural Belize late last night who is believed to be the main suspect in the killing.  While police have not yet officially confirmed the identity of the detained individual, multiple sources indicate that investigators have been aggressively pursuing leads over the past several days following the brazen daylight execution that shocked the nation.  Unverified reports reaching Love News suggest that the murder may have been a targeted hit, allegedly carried out by a gunman who was paid several thousand dollars to execute the attack. Those reports remain under investigation and have not yet been substantiated by police. 

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs: “I offer my condolences to the family. A doctor who has given his life, who gave his life serving the community in Belmopan. Very unfortunate. I want to say to the residents of Belmopan that we are going to do everything possible to solve this murder. We do have technology in place. We do have cameras around that we are reviewing. The investigators have been reviewing everything that happened. Very unfortunate. This is not what we want. We want to make sure that we investigate fully and that we bring whoever it is that we need to bring. And as I said before, you know, it’s a great loss for our community. It’s a great loss for the country. Someone who dedicated his life to helping others.”

Dr. Bonilla was laid to rest yesterday after being killed on the morning of Friday, May 29, while transporting his five-year-old daughter to school in the Las Flores area of Belmopan.  Investigators say the physician was driving his white Toyota Highlander near the corner of Ramirez Street and Maravilla Street when another vehicle reportedly pulled alongside him and multiple shots were fired into his vehicle.  The injured doctor subsequently lost control of the SUV, which crashed into a nearby residence. Police are expected to provide further details later this afternoon during a scheduled press briefing, where investigators are anticipated to address the detention made overnight and the possible motive behind the killing.  Love News will continue to follow this developing story.