And while the aftershocks of Neisa Pipersburgh's murder had the community abuzz this weekend, by Sunday night, there was another murder of a well known athlete, Elbert Pope.
It happened at the pedestrian bridge near Sitee Street - which is not far from the scene of Thursday evening's murder of Joycelyn Mitchell - which happened on the other side of that canal.
And like Joycelyn Mitchell he was shot in the head. Monica Bodden has the story:...
He is a well known, veteran Belizean cyclist but tonight Elbert Pope is another murder statistic as his name has been added to the list of many Belizeans who have lost their lives to gun violence.
This bloodstain marks the spot where the 38 year old father of (6) was gunned down last night at the corner of Sittee and Mahogany Streets. Around 11, Pope was sitting on his bicycle speaking with Allison Muslar, when they were approached by a lone gunman who fired several shots - hitting Pope in the forehead.
Byron Pope, Son
"At about 11:30 I got a phone call and the person on the line told me that my father had been shot. I race out to the crime scene but when I reach there I didn't see my father's body on the ground I only saw his bicycle and his slippers, so I knew it was him."
The younger Pope said the last time he saw his father was about 10 o'clock last night.
Byron Pope, Son
"I am not sure if he was alone, when he left home he was alone."
Monica Bodden
"He left out at what time?"
Byron Pope
"At about 9:30-10:00p.m."
Monica Bodden
"He told you guys where he was going?"
Byron Pope
"No, he didn't say where he was going."
Monica Bodden
"Now, from what I understand he got shot in his forehead?"
Byron Pope
"Yes Ma'am."
Monica Bodden
"Did he died on the spot?"
Byron Pope
"No, the people at the emergency told us that he died while they were trying to do the best they can for him."
Information suggests that Pope was receiving threats leading up to his death but according to his son, he doesn't know of any.
Monica Bodden
"Now Byron from what we are understanding your father was receiving threat calls?"
Byron Pope
"Well I am not sure about the threat calls because he did not mention anything to me or any other family member."
Monica Bodden
"So he didn't mention that he was being threatened by anyone?"
Byron Pope
"No, he didn't mention not to me, not to my immediate family members."
Monica Bodden
"Does this come as a shock to you?"
Byron Pope
"Well it shocks me I am still shock. But I guess it's something that I just have to live with and try to get over it. But I would really want to see justice for my dad."
This grieving family is still left with one question - and that is - why was the life of their loved one taken away so senselessly?
Esmay Jones, Sister
"I would want the reason why and who did it. From last night that I got the news I haven't sleep. My heart is just aching me right now. I can't take it. I want the police to deal with this because I think this is too much. I would want they start to hang people. Maybe then they will change."
Byron Pope
"My dad is easy going, always helpful, always willing love his sport cycling."
Monica Bodden
"He isn't known to interfere with anyone, to cause trouble anywhere?"
Byron Pope
"No, I've never heard he is in any gang or related to any gang, I have never heard my dad in that before."
Monica Bodden
"So you have no idea why someone would want to take your father's life."
Byron Pope
"I have no idea. I would just want them to come forward. Just come forward."
The many medals and trophies that Pope had won in numerous cycling races, were today on display outside his home in remembrance of his 20 year cycling career.
Byron Pope
"Back in the days he use to be a national team rider. He represent in the Central American Games and other big events out of our country, internationally."
Monica Bodden
"And his love for the sport? He has been doing this for 20 years now."
Byron Pope
"Well he has a lot of love for the sport. He encourage me to stay in it and be in it."
Monica Bodden
"So it was because of your dad that got you involve in cycling?"
Byron Pope
"Yes, it has to be him. He is the head part of me in cycling."
Monica Bodden
"You think you could count the amount of medals you dad has and trophies."
Byron Pope
"Yes I can count them and will try to break his record."
Elbert Pope has been a cyclist for 20 years. His recent team was the Benny's Megabyte's which he has been a member for the past 4 years. Reporting for 7 News, Monica Bodden.
No one has been arrested for the Pope murder.
As a cyclist Pope was an elite cyclist and a consistent contender. In the 2005 Crss Country he memorably broke away at mile 3 on the return - giving brief hope to Belizean fans. He also once had a 3rd. place finish in the in KREM classic.
His son Byron is now himself a formidable cyclist and a frequent contender.
The cycling community is being asked to attend his funeral.....
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