7 News Belize

The Street Slaying Of The 4th Espat Male
posted (September 8, 2014)
Tonight, the Espat family in San Pedro is reeling from the loss of their loved one, 22 year-old Rolando Espat Jr. who was violently killed early on Saturday Morning. To be grieving the death of one loved one is by itself, unimaginable. For the Espat's, however, this is the fourth male in their family to be murdered, and so, the sorrow they feel is multiplied.

Today, Daniel Ortiz travelled to the Island to speak with them about the death of the man they affectionately called "Rolito". Here's his report:

Daniel Ortiz reporting
The Espat family was beside themselves with grief as yet another of their young men was murdered in cold blood.

The latest was 22 year-old Rolando Espat Jr., aka "Rolito". He was having a drink at the Jeemar's Sports Bar, a stone's throw away from his house.

That's less than 500 yards, but it didn't matter because Espat's shooter was patient and waited until he left the bar just after midnight on Friday.

He never made it home because the gunman shot him multiple times in the chest, left cheek and right upper thigh, and he collapsed here and died.

His aunt, who has lost her son, and now 3 nephews, described to us how she got the news that her fourth relative's life had been taken.

Carmita Gonzalez - Aunt of Deceased
"I was at my house sleeping when I heard my phone ringing and I receive this call that they just kill my nephew. When I got the call I ran downstairs and try to catch a taxi to go to the clinic to support my brother too. When I reach there I saw my nephew body at the back of a taxi, he was dead already."

They family doesn't know why Rolito's assailant wanted him dead, but to them, it's unimportant. All their old wounds have been torn open once again.

Seeing Rolito's body only reminded them of his cousin, 17 year old Edwardo Daniel Alamilla and his younger brother, 18 year old Charlie Espat, who were found decomposing in shallow graves in Orange Walk in June 2012. Both men were murdered and then, their bodies were dumped.

Rolito's older brother, Byron Estrada Espat, was also fatally stabbed in a bar room brawl in January of 2013.

To remember these young lives cut short - it was hard for Carmita to even discuss it with us.

Carmita Gonzalez - Aunt of Deceased
"I lost my son couple of years ago, I think all of Belize knows about that; my son, my nephew and they kill another one at Big Daddy's. We don't know what is the problem, we want justice. That all I have to say."

Daniel Ortiz
"I know that it's difficult for you reliving these things. Do you think that any of them are connected to Mr. Rolito's untimely passing?"

Carmita Gonzalez - Aunt of Deceased
"I don't know what to say about that."

Daniel Ortiz
"I know that it's hard for you guys, you have to deal with this yet a fourth time."

Carmita Gonzalez - Aunt of Deceased
"It's hard for all of us. You just can't imagine how we feel right now and the worst part is that not even my brother could be here with him because he is in a critical condition as well right now."

Daniel Ortiz
"Ma'am where do you go from here in terms of trying to rebuild that sense of security with your family with so many loses, so many young men lost?"

Carmita Gonzalez - Aunt of Deceased
"I still believe we have justice in Belize, so I think the police is doing a good job right now and I think we will have justice. I believe in that."

For Priscilla Espat, who has lost her third son, she's demanding justice.

Priscilla Espat - Mother of Deceased
"I am not afraid of them. I want justice for my son. I am not afraid. One day God will take me away, but all I want is justice."

As noted in our story, Rolando Espat's Cousin, 17 year old Daniel Alamilla and his younger brother, 18 year old Charlie Espat, were found decomposing in a very remote location in the Orange Walk District in June 2012. They went missing several days before they were found with gunshot injuries in the head. It is believed that their companions lured them to their death in a drug related killing.

Less than a year later, Rolando's older brother, Byron Espat, was killed in the bathroom of the Daddy Rock Club. He was fatally stabbed.

That brings us to this weekend when Rolando Jr. was killed a little over a year and 7 months later. To add more to the family's burden, they're dealing with Rolando Sr., his father, who is seriously ill and is hospitalized at this time.

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