7 News Belize

A Killing In the Capital
posted (February 24, 2012)
On Wednesday night - a notorious street figure - was executed in Belize City - and last night in Belmopan, a man was similarly shot to the head. But 25 year old Benito Mendoza was not any kind of notorious figure - in fact he was known to be an easy going person.

So then why was she shot to the head as he was buying food last night? Monica Bodden went looking for answers:

Monica Bodden Reporting

It happened outside this nightclub called The Junction situated at the junction of the Hummingbird Highway and Constitution Drive in Belmopan.

The heap of sand in the parking lot covers the pool of blood where 25 year old Benito Mendoza fell after he was shot to the left side of his temple.

It is said that Mendoza - known by many as Mawley - was buying food around 2 this morning from a vendor outside the club - when he was approached by the triggerman who fired the single fatal shot.

2 police officers who were working at the establishment - saw a green Chevy S-10 pick-up truck speeding off from the crime scene - which gave all indications that it was the get-a-way vehicle for the gunman.

Police chased the pick-up truck but they managed to escape when the occupants of the truck began shooting at police.

By that time 25 year old Mendoza had already expired and his body was on its way to the morgue.

Doriesha Arnold - Cousin of the Deceeased
"From my understanding, what I heard was that they were there just buying food, and the young man just came straight up to him. But what is puzzling is that how did that young man know that he wanted to kill Mawley? What did Mawley do to him? And my question to him is how does he feel knowing that he took someone's life innocently knowing that Mawley didn't do him anything? From what the family heard this morning, that young man didn't even know Marley."

Monica Bodden
"You think that it was a case of mistaken identity?"

Doriesha Arnold
"From our understanding, it is mistaken identity. We are not saying that we are going to take revenge; we are saying that we will leave the revenge up to God because he gave us the life and he takes it away, so he knows what he will do from now on. Even if it is a mistaken identity, that person really wanted him dead, and it's accomplished, but God's mission isn't accomplished yet. So, I want that person to know that we don't hate him because hatred is not for human beings. Revenge is not for human beings; revenge is for God. And the same way that he took Marley's life, it will be worse for him; maybe it might be a mistaken identity for him, but God knows what he has in store for him."

Today Mendoza's family who lives in Roaring Creek - was comforted by not only their community but also their area rep - Ramon Witz - who personally stopped in to offer his condolences.

Ramon Witz - Area Rep, Cayo South
"Well, as I guess you know by now, there was an unfortunate incident in the early hours of this morning, and one of the young men, who lives here, was shot, and unfortunately, he died as a result of that."

Monica Bodden
"Did you know him personally?"

Ramon Witz
"Absolutely, I knew him for many years. What really bothers me is a young person like him, who is known to be a very quiet person - a person who really is not one that goes out there and give problems - found an end to his life in such a tragic way. Yes, I knew him personally."

Silva Pratt - Grandmother
"Well, my grandson, he is a very easy-going person, and I can speak about him because he usually is at my home. The last time I saw him was the day before yesterday; he was coming home from work. Whenever he passes my house, he usually say, 'Good evening, Granny. Good evening, Uncle Roy.' He is a person that doesn't offend people. He is a very nice person, as I can say."

Doriesha Arnold
"He is not a trouble person. You never hear him getting into trouble, fighting and having any problems with anybody. Most of the time, when he is not in Roaring Creek, he is in Valley of Peace on his farmland. He has a farm in Valley of Peace."

And for his family, they say they are not seeking any revenge - instead they are leaving justice in the hands of God:

Doriesha Arnold
"Well, with the way how things are going in Belize right now, today this is not the first and this isn't going to be the last. Many people are still out there grieving for their loved-one that they lossed. This is not our first, but not by gunshots they died. They died how God wanted them to die, and we still haven't gotten over it. He is just another one to the list that we will have to work with, but with God's grace, we will get through it."

Monica Bodden
"If you could say one thing to that person who took your cousin's life, what would that be?"

Doriesha Arnold
"Well I just want him to know that we don't know who it is. We didn't see him, and we don't know him by face, but God knows him by face. And when God is ready for him, I hope that he is ready for God in the same way."

So far, no one has been detained for the murder.

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