Two Men Shot Dead Near Wake in Cotton Tree Village

Two men were shot and killed early this morning near a wake in Cotton Tree Village, Cayo District. Preliminary reports identify the victims as Fernando Corona Jones and Esau Perez. The men were reportedly standing along the roadside near the wake for Kenisha Hyde when gunfire broke out around three o’clock. Both died at the scene.  At a police briefing this afternoon, the department addressed the shooting and concerns about police coverage in the area. Our understanding is that Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado expressed concern over the lack of a police presence where the killings occurred. ASP Stacy Smith outlined what investigators have learned and the measures taken since the attack. With another event expected in the village tonight, she says police are increasing their presence.

ASP Stacy Smith, Belize Police Department: “Police are investigating a shooting incident which resulted in the murder of 27 year old Fernando Jones and 21 year old Esau Perez, both of Cotton Tree Village Cayo District. The investigation commenced at around 3:47 a.m. on Friday 16th October, when officers who were on patrol in the village were alerted to the sounds of shots being fired. Upon their arrival at the scene they observed the bodies of both individuals which exhibited apparent gunshot wounds. What the investigators have been able to establish so far in the course of this ongoing investigation, which has resulted in the detention of two persons, is that both Perez and Jones were at a wake in that village and when Jones was leaving that location an armed male person emerged and fired several shots at Mr. Jones injuring him and whilst making his escape he also fired in the direction of Mr. Perez which resulted in him being wounded. The information so far as it relates to motive suggests that it’s an ongoing dispute between factions that operate in that area and it started at the wake. Mr. Jones, who is known to police, is believed to have been the intended target. We are not dismissive of the possibility of retaliation and certainly we have adjusted our operational efforts in that regard. The Commissioner in his review of the patrol operation last night observed something that he was not satisfied with and certainly we are making adjustments in that regard and we’ll be holding those persons accountable. But to answer to your question, there is a patrol that is stationed in that village for the very reason because we had noted of recent, early in the year, whereby incidents of such nature have the propensity to occur. And that’s why operationally posts were placed there however there was a lapse and we noted that and as I stated actions will be taken and we believe that the operations in that area will continue.”

Police continue to investigate the double murder.