7 News Belize

Police Make Quick Arrest For Rolito's Murder
posted (September 8, 2014)
As you heard in our story, Rolando Jr.'s mother and aunt are demanding justice, and San Pedro police are working diligently to get it for them.

This afternoon, Police reported that they've already charged a man, and they also discussed what their investigation into his killing has revealed so far:

Rafael Martinez, Police Press Officer
"I just want to report that we have since arrested and charged 27 year old Gabriel Salazar, a Belizean fisherman of San Juan Area, in San Pedro for the crime of murder."

Supt. Hilberto Romero, O.C., Crimes Investigation Branch
"Police took several statements, consultations were made with the Office of the DPP and they directed that this person be charged for the crime of murder. It was a thorough investigation, they had several tips and leads and that information was followed up."

Mike Rudon, Ch5
"Could you give us a motive for that murder?"

Supt. Hilberto Romero
"We do not have a motive at this time. The investigators are working on that."

Daniel Ortiz
"Is it connected in any way with the murders of his relatives; Mr. Daniel Alamilla and Mr. Charlie Espat?"

Supt. Hilberto Romero
"Again, we cannot say. The police in San Pedro are working on those leads."

Mike Rudon, Ch5
"Could you tell us if they are working on an angle which includes drugs?"

Supt. Hilberto Romero
"We are looking at several angles which could be drugs, perhaps the sale distribution of drugs."

It is expected that 27-year-old Gabriel Salazar Villafranco will be arraigned for the charge of murder at the latest convenience. Police say that he's now a fisherman living in the San Juan Area of San Pedro, but that's after being on remand for 3 years on a double murder. He was acquitted 2 years and several months ago after a jury found him not guilty of the shooting deaths of James Swan and Edward "Bro Lee" Gutierrez, which was believed to be drug related.

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