When Steven Polonio died from multiple gunshot wounds yesterday evening in Belize city - his was the 7th murder countrywide in five and a half days - a staggering, scary statistic.
Police believe his killing was gang related - and two prominent gang figures have been named as suspects.
Monica Bodden found out more from police today:...
Monica Bodden reporting
It happened here at the corner of Mayflower and Vernon Street where 20 year old Steven Polonio was shot 7 times.
The young man who was standing at the corner around 5:40 yesterday evening - was approached by a gunman who opened fire - hitting him to the face and the upper left side of his body.
Polonio was rushed to the KHMH fighting for his life, but succumbed to his injuries just 30 minutes after.
Raphael Martinez - Police Press Officer
"On Wednesday October 3rd at approximately 5:30pm police visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they saw 20 year old Stephen Polonio of 2867 Armadillo address in Belize City suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the face and the left side of his body. Polonio succumb to his injuries whilst undergoing treatment at approximately 6:20pm yesterday evening."
"Initial investigations revealed that Polonio was at the corner of Mayflower and Vernon streets in Belize City when he was approached by a male person who fired several shots at him causing the fatal injuries. Police are now looking for a certain person for questioning regarding this incident and of course have detained one person in connection with this latest murder."
"So far one person has been detained by police for questioning - while police are searching for another suspect who is known to them."
Raphael Martinez - Police Press Officer
"They are indeed known to police and it may have been gang related but as I mention before we will not speculate, so I refrain top say whether or not it is. They know who they are looking for, so it's just a matter of time before that person be picked up."
Rowland Parks, reporter
"You say you have one person detained in connection with this incident and you are looking for another person?"
Raphael Martinez
"Correct - for questioning."
Rowland Parks, reporter
"Can you say whether or not the police have sufficient evidence to level charges against either of the two persons?"
Raphael Martinez
"Based on what police will be gathering from what they have so far, what the investigations have led them to this point - they will actually put that together and of course the DPP will have to decide where to take it from there."
One gang affiliated personality form that area is detained and another is being sought. Both names are very well known to police and the media.
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