AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye Shooting on Front Street near Belize Bank

Allegedly the incident occurred at a bar and is in connection to the murder of Scott Charles.

Police are on the scene investigating another shooting incident on the island. One person is suspected dead. We will continue updating as information becomes available. Police have confirmed the identity of the deceased as Armando Lopez of San Pedrito Area.

Still planning on visiting again - at least for now. Police shaking down people it seems like there is a murder every week. I hope they can get a handle on the crime. It is not shootings at 4:00 in the morning or places you should be avoiding. Appreciate you putting this on the website. Always available on line in any case.

Paul

San Pedro Daylight Downtown Killing Is Due To Turf War

The spike in crime on San Pedro continued this weekend, and it claimed the life of 34 year-old Armando Lopez, a native of the Corozal district who had been living on the island for over 10 years.

He's the second man to be gunned down and killed in 4 days, and his shooting is the third incident in San Pedro Town in 8 days.

It happened yesterday at around 2:40 in the afternoon, in broad daylight, and in the heart of Downtown San Pedro. Lopez was sitting inside the Winner's Spot bar, an area that sees many tourists passing through.

But that prominent location didn't stop a gunman from opening fire on him in board daylight. Lopez was hit in the chest and left arm and he died on the spot.

It's a brazen execution in the heart of Belize's tourist capital - and you're probably asking what's causing the violence. Well, Police sources tell us that there may be an ongoing war over drug turf between two warring sets, and that Lopez may have been a casualty in that feud. The San Pedro Sun Newspaper reports that the suspected gunman and his accomplice were seen before the murder, conducting surveillance on Lopez.

As soon as the gunman shot Lopez, he reportedly ran to the beach, where it is believed that an escape boat was used to flee the scene.

Today, the Acting Commander of Eastern Division told the press in a briefing that the police are vigorously investigating:

ACP Edward Broaster - Acting Commander, Eastern Division
"Yesterday, we had an unfortunate shooting in San Pedro of Armando Lopez, a 34 year-old Belizean carpenter of San Pedrito, who was shot to the chest in a bar on Barrier Reef Drive in San Pedro. Since then, we have arrested 2 individuals, 1 that was on San Pedro, and 1 that was caught on the water taxi, coming to Belize City. We are looking for a 16 year-old minor."

Isani Cayetano - Ch 5 News
"Have you guys been able to ascertain a motive insofar as this latest killing on the island?"

ACP Edward Broaster
"At this present time, the investigation is in its infancy stage, and we have our investigators on the ground dealing with that matter. We have the motive at this time."

Daniel Ortiz, reporter
"Are you able to share the details as to what the initial investigation looks like, as to how the incident actually unfolded?"

ACP Edward Broaster
"Not at this time."

Isani Cayetano - Ch 5 News
"A week ago, you mentioned that efforts will be made to boost police presence on the island. This was in the wake of the shooting involving Tyndall and the two minors. However, there have been 2 murders in San Pedro Town. Can you speak to us on either crime fighting efforts, the ability of law enforcement on the island to stem these instances of violence?"

ACP Edward Broaster
"What I can say to that is that we did boost personnel in San Pedro. As a matter of fact, we'll be boosting more personnel in San Pedro. I, personally, after this, will be leaving for San Pedro, to do an assessment on the ground, and see exactly what's happening in San Pedro. And, I want to ask the residents in San Pedro to cooperate with the police, as the police will be conducting vigorous operations in San Pedro, to deal with this issue."

Daniel Ortiz
"Sir, indications to us are that this incident may be part of a drug turf war between 2 factions on the island. Can you comment on that? Are police investigating along those routes?"

ACP Edward Broaster
"That may be the case, but until we verify that it is, we're looking at all options at this time."

This evening, we approached Armando Lopez's family from San Narcisco, Corozal for interview. They told us that they would want to speak, but they are afraid of potential consequences, if Lopez's killers should find out that he is related to them. They tell us that he was a fisherman who was very friendly with everyone. The Sun Newspaper reports that he also worked as a carpenter.

On the police side, we understand that as many as 28 persons have been detained in an attempt to calm things down on the island - and that investigators do have a suspect in the Scott Charles murder which happened last week.

Channel 7

Police detain two suspects for deadly weekend shooting in San Pedro Town

Armando Lopez

Police have detained two persons in connection with the latest homicide that occurred in San Pedro Town on Sunday, August 20th. The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Armando Lopez, Belizean carpenter of the San Pedrito Subdivision, who was fatally shot when he was socializing at a local bar on Barrier Reef Drive. As police continue their investigation, they are also looking for a 16-year-old minor believed to have also participated in the shooting. The general public is asked to assist in order to solve this latest incident.

The results of their infant investigation has led to the arrest of two individuals. One was detained on the island, while the second person was arrested while travelling to Belize City on the water taxi. According to eyewitnesses, the culprits who killed Lopez had it all planned out. They told The Sun that minutes before the fatal shooting, two male persons were observed walking back and forth from the bar as they planned their move. They say that at one point, one of the persons walked passed the bar and headed north-ward on Barrier Reef, while his companion went inside the bar and shot Lopez. The assailant then ran in the same direction as his companion, heading to the beach where it is believed that they got into a boat and made good their escape. When police arrived to the scene, Lopez took his last breath and passed away before he could receive any medical assistance.

An acquaintance of the deceased, who wishes to stay anonymous, said that it is really odd what happened to Lopez. "He was a humble guy and hard working. He never had any problems with anybody," the person said. The source also shared with The San Pedro Sun that Lopez had no family on the island, and believes he was from the Corozal District. "He used to also be a fisherman and worked almost on anything in construction, including carpentry."

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

"We did boost personnel in San Pedro, as a matter of fact we will be boosting more personnel in San Pedro. I personally will be leaving for San Pedro to do assesment on the ground," stated Assistance Commissioner of Police, Edward Broaster at the Belize City media brief. "I want to ask the residents in San Pedro to cooperate with the police, as we will be conducting vigorous operations on the island to deal with this issue."

Teenaged Minor Charged For Downtown San Pedro Execution

On last week Monday's newscast, we told you about the brazen daylight murder in San Pedro's Downtown. That happened 10 days ago, and today, police reported that they've charged someone for it.

He's a 16 year-old minor, and because it is a murder charge, it is expected that he will be arraigned at Magistrate's Court at the earliest convenience, and he will be remanded. Police found the 16 year old in the San Mateo area. He is originally from Orange Walk and has been on the island for a few months.

As we told you, the murder happened inside the Winner's Spot Bar at around 2:40 in the afternoon on Sunday, August 20. That bar is located on one of the busiest streets in San Pedro's Downtown area. 34 year-old Armando Lopez, was sitting inside the bar when a gunman opened fire on him, injuring him in the chest and left arm.

He died on spot, and eyewitnesses say that the gunman ran in the direction of the beach, where a suspected accomplice had fled earlier. Reports are that police have the gunman on a surveillance video. Lopez is believed to have been the victim of a drug turf war between 2 feuding groups on the island.

Channel 7

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He will appear at the Magistrate's Court today, August 31st.

I think I'll vacation in Chicago for some peace and safety.

Particularly if you frequent Brothels, shop for illicit stimulants and look for illegal gaming..............

Judy you can throw some serious shade!