7 News Belize

“Shovel” Killed While Out Socializing With Pregnant GF
posted (June 20, 2016)
And less than 30 hours later, another man was murdered in front of a Hattieville club on Saturday night. Around 11:55, 23 year old Mark Shepherd better known as "Shovel" was out with his girlfriend at the Green Iguana Lounge when 2 men approached them in the yard. That's when one of the men pulled out a gun and shot Shepherd in the back. Shepherd's killing has shocked his family and the Hattieville community because they say he was loved by everyone and that he stayed out of trouble. But now, after his execution, all that is being questioned. Our news team traveled to Hattieville to find out more.

Courtney Weatherburne reporting
This is how everyone will remember Mark Shepherd - with his smile and joyous spirit.

Marie Shepherd, Grandmother
"Everyone knows Marky, he's a friendly person. He tells jokes and dances, that's why I'm going to miss him because he's the joker in the family and also with friends. As far as we know, he has no enemies."

Now while the family says Shepherd had no trouble with anyone, it would seem so, because on Saturday night, a hooded gunman shot and killed Shepherd as he hung out with his pregnant girlfriend in front of The Green Iguana Lounge.

ACP Edward Broaster, OC, Eastern Division Rural
"Hattieville Police visited the KHMH where they say the lifeless body of Mark Shepherd and what appeared to be two gunshot wounds to his right back. Later investigations reveal that Mark Shepherd, along with his common-law, was sitting in front of the Iguana Lounge in Hattiville when two male person, one dressed in a hood with what appeared to be a firearm, fired the shots that fatally claimed the life of Mark Shepherd."

Reports are that Shepherd's girlfriend had just come out of the bathroom and joined him outside the Lounge, but when one of the two gunmen opened fire, she darted away and hid.

Marie Shepherd, Grandmother
"When the thing happened, she really had to hide because she didn't want the shooters to see her. She doesn't know who they are."

Courtney Weatherburne
"So she was standing outside with him? We understand that she went to the bathroom the same time."

Marie Shepherd, Grandmother
"She said that she went to the bathroom and when he saw that she was taking long in the bathroom, he came outside and locked the door. When she came out they sat down together and he went one side to light the cigarette to smoke, but when she turned her back, they fired shots. When they fired shots she heard when he cried out and said 'aye, I'll die now'."

Earlier that Saturday, Shepherd's grandmother had asked him to stay home and spend time with her, but he and his girlfriend decided to go out instead and only a while after, she got the dreadful call about her grandson.

Marie Shepherd, Grandmother
"He said he was going out to take a walk with his girlfriend to the club. I said 'okay but why don't you stay home and relax a little because you look tired', he said he wouldn't take long, he's just going to drink some beer with his girlfriend and have some fun then come back. He said 'granny I'm going out and I'll come back soon', so I said 'okay take care of yourself'. When he was leaving he said 'when I come back I'll give you something', so I left him to go and laid in the chair watching TV. I heard my phone ring and his girlfriend said to me 'granny it's me', I asked 'where are you' and she said 'I'm at Belize', so I asked why and she said 'Marky got shot'. He's not a trouble person, he has no handling with the law, no records or anything, and he's a cool person. Whoever did this, it's not fair, because he never did anyone anything."

And the police also confirmed today that Shepherd had no record or any run-ins with the law and that is why they can't establish a direct motive at this time.

ACP Edward Broaster, OC, Eastern Division Rural
"That investigation is ongoing. At this time we don't have any motives for that shooting in Hattieville."

So while the police continue to put the pieces of this murder case together, all the family wants is peace.

Marie Shepherd, Grandmother
"I don't want any revenge, I don't even think I want a case, because it won't take me anywhere. I don't know who it is, and I don't want my children to put themselves in it, leave it to the Lord."

Shepherd leaves behind his pregnant girlfriend. Police do not have anyone detained at this time and can't say if Shepherd's murder is connected to the recent city murders.

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