Suspect Charged in Punta Gorda Double Murder as Police Investigations Continue

Police have arrested and charged a suspect in connection with Saturday night’s double murder in Punta Gorda Town that claimed the lives of Luis Barillas and Derrick Arnold.  Authorities say 25-year-old Keron George Augustine, a Belizean barber of Seine Bight Village, Stann Creek District, was formally arrested on Monday, February 9 and charged with two counts of murder.  The shooting occurred shortly after 8:05 p.m. on Saturday at the corner of Jose Maria and Queen Street, at the residence of Barillas.  When officers responded to reports of gunfire, they discovered a male person lying in front of the yard suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, later identified as 25-year-old construction worker Luis Barillas of #3 Queen Street, was transported to the Punta Gorda Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.  A subsequent search of the property led police to a second victim at the back of the yard. The man, identified as 43-year-old labourer Derrick Arnold of Cerro Road, was found motionless with multiple gunshot wounds and was also pronounced dead.  Police have not yet disclosed a motive for the killings. Investigations remain ongoing as authorities prepare the matter for court proceedings.