A 61 year old man was killed at his workplace over the weekend. Security guard Baltazar Sarmiento was on duty at the Buca Shell Gas Station on the Phillip Goldson Highway - when he was attacked and shot in the head. Police believe it was burglary, but Sarmiento's son says his dad was targeted. Courtney Weatherburne has more.
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
For Maikor Sarmiento, having his dad with him for his high school graduation is one of the most precious moments in his life.
Now, Maikor has to constantly revisit that memory to try and block out the horrid reality of his father's murder.
61 year old Baltazar Sarmiento was shot and killed at the Buca Shell Gas Station compound early on Sunday morning. He had been working at the gas station as a security guard for about 16 years. He was on his night shift, when two men emerged from the nearby river - everything was caught on camera.
ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB
"He was approached by two male persons one of which fired a single shot, causing the injuries to him."
"Yes we have a footage that we are looking and that is assisting us in the investigation."
Maikor Sarmiento, Son
"I was the first one to find out about it, I was asleep I wake up 6:00 and my neighbor wake me up and tell me, Sunday morning, wake me up and tell me I must go check on my dad so I jumped on my bike and I ride way there but I didn't believe it so I just ride and went to see if I could see my father because I dint believe it and then I see his blood where they killed him."
At this point, police believe it was attempted burglary.
ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC - CIB
"But, we are of the belief that probably they went to burglarize the establishment and they met up with the security that was working there, noh?"
But his son doesn't believe so. He thinks his dad was targeted.
Maikor Sarmiento, Son
"To me I think somebody wanted to kill him because I didn't see no sign of robbery and it hard for me."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"Why do you think somebody wanted to kill your dad?"
Maikor Sarmiento, Son
"I am not sure I don't know why anybody would want kill my father."
Courtney Weatherburne
"He never have no problem with anybody here or in anybody at Honduras right?"
Maikor Sarmiento, Son
"He is from home straight to work and from work to home."
Sarmiento carried no gun. He was originally from Honduras and had been living in Belize for about 20 years. He has 3 kids living here in Belize and 5 others in Honduras. As you heard, the incident was caught on camera - but police have no suspects at this time.
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