Toledo Man Charged, Remanded for Independence Village New Year’s Eve Murder

In another homicide investigation, this time in the south, a 21-year-old construction worker from Bella Vista Village, Toledo District, Santos Absolom Chirinos, has been formally arraigned on a charge of murder and remanded to prison until March 2026.  Chirinos appeared today before the Magistrate’s Court in Independence Village, where the charge was read to him. Due to the seriousness of the offence, no plea was taken, in keeping with standard court procedure for indictable matters.  The arraignment follows a multiple shooting incident in Independence Village on December 31, 2025, which left several persons injured and resulted in the death of 39-year-old Keith Logan, a Belizean of the village. Police had launched an intensive investigation in the days following the shooting, amid heightened concern within the community.  Chirinos was initially detained shortly after the incident, but police later confirmed that he escaped from lawful custody, prompting a manhunt. He was subsequently recaptured and charged with both murder and escape from lawful custody.  Chirinos is expected to remain on remand pending further court proceedings early next year.