Last night, we showed you the two police officers who were criminally charged with murder for the death of Caye Caulker teenager Hilberto Sotz. We also spoke with Police Minister John Saldivar who spoke candidly about the culture of police brutality and abuse that led to such a heinous death.
Well there is more to add tonight the Police Department has both publicly apologized Sotz's family for his death while in the Caye Caulker Police Station.
A press release sent late yesterday from the Commissioner of Police. He informed that Leonard Nunez Police Constable # 628 and Hallet King, Police Constable # 819 were arrested and charged with murder, and that they have been arraigned and remanded.
More than that, he added that they have been charged with displinary offences as well. There are now 3 others who have been immediately placed on interdiction, and they are WPC #1107 Bernadette Ramos, PC #1932 Edilberto Patt, Corporal Kirby Palma who was serving as the Officer in Charge of Caye Caulker Police. They were on duty at the time that Hilberto Sotz was detained, and it is suspected - but currently unproven - that they may have stood by and let the alleged abuse and torture to happen without question.
Effective immediately, the Caye Caulker Police Station will be commanded by Inspector Dehanne Augustin, who will be assisted by Sergeant Norman Benguche. Additionally, officers have since been identified to replace those who are now on interdiction.
Hallet King, one of the two officers who was charged yesterday with the murder of Hilberto Sotz, was awarded for model police behavior just days before. He received a cheque for $500 dollars as a reward.
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