7 News Belize

Police Looking For Vellos Shooter
posted (January 4, 2018)
Jermaine Vellos was also killed as a result of that gang war between Pink's Alley and Victoria Street. It happened far from that neighborhood in the Belama area - but was directly related to the gang rivalry. That's because the gunmen went to a Belama home looking for a Pink's Alley figure, but ended up shooting his brother in law - who has smilier features, but is visiting from New York.

Today, we asked police more about the execution of the wrong man, and the wider issue of gang warfare between these rival groups:

Reporter
"Did the killers indeed come on the river and are there any clues? Were there any surveillance cameras that may have picked them up? Anything like that?"

ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City
"Based on the investigation on the cameras in the area, yes we were able to establish that they came from the river side and they were hiding behind some bushes. The police found some exhibits in that area as well that the persons were using."

Reporter
"Do you all have any suspects in mind?"

ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City
"We are looking for a person in particular at this moment."

Reporter
"Might it be sane as retaliation or as a part of the on-going rivalry between Victoria Street and Pinks Alley?"

ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City
"So far the investigation has shown certain things that we cannot divulge at this moment. However, yes we are of the opinion that it can possible be a mistaken identity to the tragic death of Mr. Vellos."

Reporter
"All you all aware that there is an escalating tension between these two groups and they may have led to the murder A, Lean Garcia on New Year's and B, may have subsequently let to the murder of Mr. Vellos 2 nights ago?"

ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City
"Yes we are aware of the tension between these two rival gangs and we are cognizant of the fact that it might be a possibility that it is link one to the other one."

Reporter
"The Forman family fear for their safety. is there any protection or assistance being given to them?"

ASP Alejandro Cowo, OC-CIB Belize City
"Well I know that indeed we have spoken to the family, they have raised several concerns. Yes, I know that the Belama police station is right around there. They have established a patrol in that immediate area not only for that protection but for the entire persons also in that vicinity."

So far no suspects have been detained for the Vellos murder. He lived in New York and was visiting his wife and 6 month old daughter. His family says he has no affiliations with anyone here in Belize City only probably in Corozal where he grew up.

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