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The violence started at around 6:00 pm near the complex building - and 6 hours later, two young men would be dead, with another injured. More than that, the entire large neighborhood was traumatized. Monica Bodden reports on what police and relatives are saying:..

Monica Bodden reporting
The first murder happened around 7 last night in front of this Chinese's store at the corner of Alicia Street and Estel Street. 27 year old Japhet Martinez was riding his bicycle when a man came from behind, who was also riding a bicycle and fired several shots in his direction.

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson - OC, Police Precinct 2
"We had two murders on Sunday in the Precinct 2 area. The first one was sometime after 6. Police was called to the St. Martins area, where upon their arrival, they learn that a young man, Japhet Martinez was riding his bicycle on Alicia Street and upon reaching its intersection with Estell Street, a male person of fair complexion rode up behind him and fired several shots at him of which most of the shots caught him. He was escorted to K.H.M.H. and later succumbed to his injury."

Reporter
"Has investigations revealed whether he was the intended target?"

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson - OC, Police Precinct 2
"No. Not at this point. We believe he was, because he was the only person at that time in front of the shop at the intersection and the shot was directed at him."

Reporter
"We understand that surveillance footage has been recovered that would show what transpired around that time when he was killed."

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson - OC, Police Precinct 2
"I haven't had any information that surveillance footage was recovered, but probably Mr. Romero could assist you, because he is the lead investigator in that matter."

Supt. Hilberto Romero, O.C., CIB, Eastern Division
"The investigators are presently reviewing that video footage, our technicians are downloading the information and we have not reviewed all the footage…it takes time to review all the footage so they are working on that at this time."

Just 4 hours later and there was another murder in the same vicinity. This time on Periwinkle Street. According to an eyewitness, 24 year old Michael Welch and his cousin 24 year old Kingsly Morrison were sitting in the pan of this white pickup truck socializing when they were approached by 2 gunmen. Morrison was shot to the upper right shoulder and managed to run towards Mahogany Street -where he escaped. Welch wasn't so fortunate.

He tried to escape but his foot got caught between the openings of this wooden crossway. He received gunshot injuries to the chest, abdomen and leg. And eyewitness saw the gunman standing over Welch and heard him crying out for mercy.

Sr. Supt. Alden Dawson - OC, Police Precinct 2
"The police was once again called out sometime after 11 p.m., where they learnt during an investigation that 24 year old Michael Welch and Kingsley Morrison were socializing on Periwinkle Street when two persons passed by and fired several shots of which the shots caught the now deceased Michael Welch. One to the chest, one to the abdomen and one to the leg and he is, like I said, now deceased. While Kingsley Morrison remained stable at the K.H.M.H."

Reporter
"Are any of these victims members of gang?"

Supt. Hilberto Romero, O.C., CIB, Eastern Division
"We cannot say at this time. The investigators are working on that. I know the second murder, these were persons who were just hanging out at that particular area when two gun men approach and fire shots. We do not know if they are from any gang."

And even though both shootings happened in gang rivalry territory, police say they have no links to determine whether there were related. Today we travelled to Maxboro to speak with the sister of Michael Welch who believed that her brother was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Reporter
"We know that he was a DJ and all indications are that he was innocently killed. Talk to us about him, Michael, what you know about him - why you think anyone would want to do something like this to him?"

Voice of: Monisha Welch - Sister of Deceased
"Sometimes you are at the wrong place at the wrong time and sometimes things happen."

Monica Bodden
"You don't believe that your brother was involved in anything?"

Voice of: Monisha Welch
"I know he wasn't involved in anything. I know that for a fact and everybody knows that."

Reporter
"When was the last time that you spoke with Michael?"

Voice of: Monisha Welch - Sister of Deceased
"Every day we talk. Two weeks ago he came and brought $20 for his sister and they talked. Every day we see each other, because every day I go to Belize City."

Reporter
"What is it that you would like people to remember him?"

Voice of: Monisha Welch - Sister of Deceased
"He was a jovial person and full of life. He always wanted better in life. He tried his best and he loved all of us and would do anything for us."

NOTABLY, Both Morrison and Welch were DJ's. Welch's sister told us he was supposed to start his first day working at Belize Bank today.