An 18-year-old man was shot and killed on Vernon Street in Belize City on Monday, August 3, 2026, just feet from St. Martin de Porres Church. Police have detained one suspect and are searching for another.
According to Police Staff Officer ASP Stacy Smith, the victim, Ewart Hernandez of Lord's Bank Village, was riding a motorcycle when he stopped on the side of the road near Partridge Street. Two men approached, and one fired a single shot, striking Hernandez. He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital but died from his injury.
Police say surveillance cameras captured the incident. Officers responded to the scene at about 1:15 p.m. and later apprehended a person matching the suspects' description. That person remains in custody.
ASP Smith said no motive has been established. Reports that Hernandez was targeted for a chain he was wearing could not be confirmed. Smith noted that Hernandez was not known to police, while the detained suspect is known to authorities.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have assured the public that operations will be conducted within the law.
Source: 7newsbelize.com
