Paul Lopez, Reporting

From the shocking broad‑daylight murder of a delivery truck driver just a month ago, to a prominent business owner now reporting that his delivery men have been robbed twice in only two weeks, concerns about public safety in Belmopan are growing fast. That tension boiled over on the eve of Valentine’s Day, when two cousins became the latest victims of a deadly shooting. Just before eight o’clock, twenty-one‑year‑old Zamar Alvarez and twenty‑year‑old Calvert Webster were walking along this sidewalk with several others when someone pulled a gun and opened fire, killing them where they stood. The victims were cousins. Alvarez’s mother rushed to the scene after a relative in the police department called her. Distraught and in disbelief, she spoke with News Five while holding a photo of her son in her lap.

Alina Alvarez

Alina Alvarez, Mother of Deceased

“I miss my child. I am his mother, I am his aunt, I am his uncle. I am the only child for my mom. I tried my best. I did my very best. Nobody in my family are gang bangers or gang members. I always told him. I am your gang. I am your gang. I work hard for my son, so please I am begging you guys the lies you saying about my child, please stop. I just want you guys to know the tears. You guys took away my everything, my joy, my hope, my peace. I loved Zamar Alvarez so much. I loved my child.”

Inside her son’s room, where a T‑shirt and trousers still lay neatly on his bed, Alvarez remembers the short life of her firstborn and the shock of losing him so suddenly.

Zamar Alvarez

Alina Alvarez

“I don’t know who would want to hurt him. He recently came back from Esquipulas. That is a place in Guatemala where all Garifuna go every year. We went there and prayed for me, his brother and his sister and he said mom, everything will be ok. My son came back from Escapula and he brought a cross, because I am catholic. He brought a cross and said, mommy this is for us.”

Zamar Alvarez was an aspiring musician. His lyrics spoke about the realities of life in the streets, the economic challenges, and at times the violence associated with living certain lifestyles. The two cousins were inseparable. But were they known to police? Reports suggest the cousins were linked to a group of criminals in the Capital City. Minister of Home Affairs, Oscar Mira told News Five that authorities believe the double homicide is linked to recent violence in La Democracia and Belize City.

Oscar Mira

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs

“It is a spill off of what happened in Democracia. It is a spill off what is happening in Belize City. These guys came to hide in Belmopan. The Belize Police Department is actively investigating. We have done significant work and we have done significant investigations. The ComPol has assured me that nothing will be left unturn. And we are going to solve this latest murder that happened in Belmopan. We are having a lot of push back form the families. They don’t want to come and say anything. There has been a lot of talk and noise on social media.”

Calvert Webster

Alvarez says she has been in close communication with investigators. She’s holding on to hope that the person who killed her son and nephew will be caught and held accountable. And despite the rumors, this grieving mother insists the criminal allegations against her son simply aren’t true.

Alina Alvarez

“I must say I am very grateful and I respect the job that they are doing. They came to me. I gave them all the information I know. But like what I told them, I am not aware of what time he left from home. But I am working with them. I am totally working with them. I want them to get caught. I want justice for my child and I will leave everything in the hands of God.”

As investigators search for a motive and try to pinpoint who pulled the trigger, the families of Zamar Alvarez and Calvert Webster are left struggling with a loss that’s almost too heavy to bear. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez

The post Belmopan on Edge After Deadly Valentine’s Eve Shooting first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Stacy Smith

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“What the investigation has disclosed so far is that both Webster and Alvarez were with a group of four male persons when they were fired upon.”

Reporter

“That means there are witnesses available.”

ASP Stacy Smith

“It is an ongoing investigation there has been some developments in the course of this investigation and the media will be advised as more information is known.”

Reporter

“Might the police have received information that the young men were involved in the robbery of a delivery truck in Belmopan recently?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“What I can say is that one of the male person, Mr. Webster was a person of interest in a report that was made, a robbery report.”

Reporter

“Police do not believe there is any connection?”

ASP Stacy Smith

“As I stated it is an ongoing investigation. We are hoping that the leads we have gathered will bring clarity as to the motive for this incident.”

Reporter

“Other than one of the victims being wanted for questioning, are they known to police otherwise.”

ASP Stacy Smith

“Yes.”

Voice of: Sister of Deceased

Voice of: Sister of Deceased

“Anyone that called first we would have taken. He was not gang affiliated. He was a baller. We were not aware of any beef regarding Calvert. We don’t know about any beef. The only thing we can say is that it had to be someone he knew and trusted, it had to be someone he knew and trusted. What made me think that is that he was all for his friends. His friends come to our house, my brother got up and feed them. They don’t have shirt he gave it to them. They don’t have light he tell them come iron at my mom’s house. That was my brother. He looked out for everybody.”

Police say they’re now following several new leads, while the family insists Calvert was a loyal friend whose character, not criminal ties, defined the young man they lost.

The post Loved Ones Reject Claims Against Slain Cousins first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

According to the official police report, at about 7:45 pm, both men were “walking with other persons when someone pulled a firearm and shot in their direction, causing their fatal injuries.”

They were shot multiple times.

Police say that the victims were taken to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

After the news was shared on social media, one user said, “Rip Cali still can’t believe this… such a humble young man,” while another said, “Main with tears in my eyes son you did not deserve this Calvert my gosh your are a very humble very mannerly young man.”

A motive for this latest double murder has not been shared. The Belize Police Department is expected to update the media on Monday.

The post What Led to the Double Murder in Belmopan? first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Oscar Mira, Minister of Home Affairs

“There should not have been an increase. I think the new regime for trade license did not come into effect as was previously thought that it would have. Trade license for Belmopan should not have changed. And I know that there was some, because I got the complaints as well. But we are working with the Belmopan City Council to ensure that the trade license remains the same because the new regime did not pass in in the Senate and therefore it cannot be implemented. But there was a new, whole new formula that was being formulated. But since it hasn’t been formally adopted, then we are going to remain with the same formula it was before. And the mayor has agreed that those that paid over will be credited to their accounts.”

The post Trade License Fees Wrongly Increased in Belmopan first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Launched on September 3rd, the program aimed to equip participants with valuable sewing skills while fostering confidence and craftsmanship. During the closing ceremony, 12 participants, including one male participant, marking a milestone for gender inclusion, proudly showcased the garments they created, each reflecting dedication, patience, and passion.

Certificates of completion were awarded by Gerardo Antonio Argote, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and Belmopan Mayor Pablo Cawich. Both officials praised participants for their accomplishments.

Speaking to News 5, Ambassador Argote shared insights into the program, saying, “12 [participants] and it was the first course in which a man participated, promoting gender equality.” He also confirmed that “it was free of charge” and explained the program’s schedule: “6 weeks from Monday to Friday, 8 hours a day, there were Saturdays that were also worked.”

On the partnership with the Belmopan City Council, the Ambassador said, “It has been going on for a year, we have already done courses in diesel engine mechanics and plumbing, now we decided to take a step forward and the municipality agreed to join us in this course of cutting and sewing.” Looking ahead, he shared that “many ladies from Belmopan decided to do the course and are waiting for it to reopen, we hope this will be during the first quarter of 2026.”

The post Belmopan Sewing Program Concludes with Celebratory Showcase first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Guzman’s attorney, Hurl Hamilton, argued that she should be granted bail on the grounds that she is young, has no prior criminal record, and is not a flight risk. He proposed conditions such as surrendering her travel documents, adhering to a curfew, and regularly reporting to police.

However, the court ruled against bail, citing Guzman’s age, her limited ties to Belize, and the seriousness of the charge. The court noted that the sentence she could face might motivate her to flee the country.

The charge stems from an incident on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Hernandez’s Belmopan residence. Police say Hernandez was engaged in a heated altercation with his common-law wife, during which he allegedly issued threats. The woman, who is a licensed firearm holder, reportedly handed her gun to her niece, Guzman, who then fired the fatal shot. Hernandez died instantly from a single gunshot wound.

The post Bail Denied for Christy Guzman first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

In a press statement, Barrow raised concerns that Hernandez’s partner, Dalia Vellos, has not been charged in connection with the killing. Vellos’s niece, 21-year-old Christy Guzman, has been arraigned on a single count of manslaughter for allegedly firing the fatal shot.

Barrow pointed to surveillance footage that reportedly shows Vellos handing her licensed firearm to Guzman moments before the shooting. “All of the lawyers I’ve spoken with say that is a conspiracy charge,” Barrow said, adding that he supports the family’s call for Vellos to be charged with conspiracy to commit manslaughter.

Barrow also raised questions of possible favoritism, noting that Guzman appeared in court without handcuffs and alleging that Vellos has connections to senior police officers. “No one is above the law. The law must be applied equally and justice must be done for all, the victims and accused,” he stated.

Police have so far maintained that Hernandez was involved in a domestic dispute with his common-law wife and had allegedly made threats before he was shot. The case is now under review by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which will decide whether additional charges will be brought.

The post UDP Leader Calls for Conspiracy Charge in Hernandez Killing first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

On Monday, police charged 21-year-old Christy Guzman with manslaughter after she allegedly fired the shot that killed Hernandez during a domestic dispute. But newly surfaced security footage has the public asking questions about the official account. It has also raised public debate over why Guzman is not facing a murder charge.

According to police, Hernandez was involved in a heated argument with his common-law wife, Dalia Vellos, on Sunday. Investigators say Vellos, who holds a firearm license, handed her gun to Guzman, who then fired the fatal shot. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero explained that Hernandez had allegedly threatened the two women during the dispute, which played a role in determining the lesser charge of manslaughter.

However, surveillance video obtained by investigators shows a different sequence of events: Guzman handing the weapon to her aunt, who then leaves the frame before allegedly returning it. This discrepancy has fueled speculation about Vellos’s role and whether she should also be facing criminal charges. Under Belize’s Criminal Code, anyone who assists or encourages the commission of a crime can be charged with abetment, even if they are not the one who pulled the trigger.

The distinction is critical in Belize’s legal system, which does not classify homicides as first- or second-degree murder. Instead, the law divides them into murder, manslaughter, manslaughter by negligence, and causing death by careless conduct. In Guzman’s case, police cited the domestic dispute and allegations of assault as justification for the manslaughter charge, suggesting that elements of self-defence may be involved.

But Wilson’s family disputes that version of events. His mother, Blanca Hernandez, who was present at the time of the shooting, insists that her son did not assault the women. She described the argument as tense but denied that it escalated into physical violence.

Hernandez’s sister wrote on Facebook, “It aches my heart seeing the babies rush out the door the moment they heard that gunshot. They saw their dad lying in a puddle of blood.”

The post Manslaughter or Murder? Security Footage Raises Questions first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

Britney Gordon, Reporting

What began as a lovers spat ended in tragedy for twenty-eight-year-old Wilson Hernandez, owner of Selfie Lounge in Belmopan. It all started in the early hours of Sunday morning when an argument over infidelity got out of hand. Twenty-eight-year-old Wilson Hernandez reportedly accused his common-law wife of being unfaithful, a confrontation that set off a chain of events ending in tragedy. Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero tells us more about what happened next.

Hilberto Romero

Hilberto Romero, Head, National Crime Investigation Branch

“On Sunday, the thirty-first day of August, 2025, police responded to a shooting incident in Belmopan. Upon their arrival, they learned that a male person had been shot and taken to the hospital for treatment. The police went there where they saw the lifeless body of Wilson Hernandez with a gunshot injury. Investigation revealed that Wilson Hernandez had a domestic dispute with his common-law wife, and he threatened her. She has a licensed firearm. Thereafter, she passed the firearm to her niece who fired a single shot towards Wilson Hernandez causing his fatal injury. An investigation is being carried out. This matter will be forwarded to DPP for directives. The firearm was seized. Both females are in custody in Belmopan.”

Police say the fatal shot came from Hernandez’s niece, who also happens to be his sister-in-law, after she was handed the gun. But that version of events is being challenged by Hernandez’s mother, who was inside the home when it all unfolded. She insists her son never attacked anyone and was only trying to stop his girlfriend from leaving with his car. According to her, the niece wasn’t handed the weapon at all, she claims the young woman took it from her aunt’s purse and fired on her own.

Blanca Hernandez

Blanca Hernandez, Mother of Deceased

“When she was starting the car, my son came out, and the door was left open. I had just started to collect the trash out in the front. My son told me, ‘Mom, I told you to take the key from that woman because she was going to steal the car.’ I told him to leave it like that. He then tapped on the car window, and she rolled it down and asked what he wanted. I didn’t hear what they continued to argue about. When I heard them fighting and going at each other around in circles. I told them to settle their issue inside. I didn’t notice that the niece had the gun in a bag. I don’t know what happened. I didn’t see the girl come from behind. As I was telling them ‘calm down, calm down.’ Then I saw her hand stretched out, but I only saw a small black thing; it was a very small gun, and I saw her move it like this. Then the shot went off. I only saw my son look up, sway, and fall. Then I saw blood coming from his ear.”

Police have not ruled Hernandez’s death as murder as they are awaiting instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. While both women were taken into custody, no charges have made.

Reporter

“Is there a case for self-defense?”

Hilberto Romero

“The matter will be dealt by the DPP. They’re saying that there was a domestic dispute and he assaulted them.”

Reporter

“Does police know if there’s a history of domestic incident?”

Hilberto Romero

“We do not know at this time, no.”

Britney Gordon

“Is the niece a minor?”

Hilberto Romero

“No, they’re both adults.”

The tragedy has left the family heartbroken and unsure of what comes next. Hernandez’s mother told us she had warned him many times to walk away from the relationship and focus on raising his two children instead. Now, she’s left grappling with the painful reality that her advice came too late.

Blanca Hernandez

“We put him in the car and took him to the hospital. I was praying to God for a miracle. But when we arrived, I felt it was too late. The doctor told me there was no hope, that they had done everything possible. He told me my son had already passed away. I can’t take it anymore. So much investigation… I feel like I have no strength. My head feels like it’s going to explode from the pain because of all the investigation. I don’t know. I feel like just leaving it as is; just give me his body so I can bury him, and let God handle those two. I can’t take it anymore. All the investigation isn’t going to bring my son back. I want my son back.”

At the time of Hernandez’s death, his business was closed for renovations. It is unclear what will happen to the popular hangout spot. For now, the family is leaning on each other for support as they seek justice. Britney Gordon for News Five.

The post Lover’s Quarrel Turns Deadly, Man Shot Dead by Sister-in-law first appeared on Greater Belize Media.

According to police, Hernandez had been involved in a heated altercation with his common-law wife. During the dispute, he allegedly threatened her. The woman, who is a licensed firearm holder, reportedly handed the weapon to her niece, who then fired the fatal shot.

Both women are currently in police custody as investigators continue to gather evidence. Authorities have confirmed that the matter will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further directives. While questions have been raised about whether the shooting may constitute self-defense, police say that determination will be made by the DPP.

Hernandez’s mother, visibly shaken, recounted the moments leading up to the shooting. “When she was starting the car, my son came out and told me, ‘Mom, I told you to take the key from that woman because she was going to steal the car,’” she said. “They started arguing, and I told them to settle their issue inside. I didn’t notice that the niece had the gun in a bag. I was telling them ‘calm down, calm down,’ and then I saw her hand stretch out with a small black thing.”

She described rushing her son to the hospital, praying for a miracle. “But when we arrived, I felt it was too late. The doctor told me there was no hope. I can’t take it anymore. All the investigation isn’t going to bring my son back. I just want his body so I can bury him and let God handle those two.”

The post More Details of Man Fatally Shot in Domestic Dispute first appeared on Greater Belize Media.