Taxi Driver Remanded on Attempted Murder Charge After Machete Attack

A Belize City taxi driver known as “Sizzler” has been remanded to prison after he was charged in connection with a machete chopping incident that left another man hospitalized and requiring surgery.  Forty-three-year-old Derick Munnings, also known as “Sizzler,” appeared unrepresented this morning before the Chief Magistrate in the Belize City Magistrate’s Court. He was read three indictable charges: attempted murder, use of deadly means of harm, and dangerous harm upon 23-year-old Justin Lord.  Because of the seriousness of the offenses, bail was denied, and Munnings was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until June 3, 2026.  When asked if he understood the charges, Munnings told the court that the details were not correct. He also questioned how he could be charged with attempted murder, insisting the allegation that he aimed chop wounds at the victim’s head “did not happen so.”  The Chief Magistrate cautioned Munnings, who is currently unrepresented, that no plea was taken at this stage since the matters are indictable and will be dealt with in the High Court.  Police say the incident occurred on Saturday, February 21, around 9:22 p.m., when officers responded to reports of a man being transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital with chop wounds.  Investigators say they observed Justin Lord suffering from a large chop wound to the right forearm. Munnings was also seen with abrasions to his fingers and knees and complained of pain.  According to police, the altercation stemmed from a dispute over a pair of tennis shoes that Lord had reportedly agreed to sell on Munnings’ behalf but had not yet turned over the eighty dollars.  Authorities say that while the two men were on Marine Parade Boulevard discussing the matter, Munnings allegedly exited his vehicle armed with a machete. Lord reportedly ran toward the Golden Bay area, where the men struggled near the seaside sidewalk.  Police allege that during the confrontation, Munnings attempted to chop Lord, who raised his arm to shield his head and received the injury to his forearm. Officers in the area reportedly intervened and subdued Munnings as he allegedly attempted to strike again.  Both men were taken to the KHMH for treatment. Police say Lord reported that Munnings chopped him because of the disputed eighty dollars.  Munnings reportedly declined to give a statement when police attempted to interview him.  Justin Lord has since undergone surgery for chop injuries, while Munnings remains on remand pending his next court date.