Yesterday we told you about the murder of 23-year-old San Pedro resident, Simon Velasquez. It happened here in Belize City on the corner of Bishop and Plues Street. Velasquez had just arrived in town when he was killed in broad daylight. His murder is the product of an ongoing gang warfare which is playing out on the island and the mainland. He had just been released from custody as a suspect for the murder of Paul Jex.
But, more than just another gang casualty, today we travelled to San Pedro to found out more about who Simon Velasquez was from those closest to him.
Sahar Vasquez reporting
After two days in police custody, Simon Velasquez decided the best thing for him was to go to Belize City and start fresh.
But he was murdered shortly after reaching the city and all hopes of a new beginning were crushed when the bullets entered his body and he slumped to the pavement on Plues Street.
Velasquez used to be a big help to his mom at her store but according to her all her son wanted now was a job and to stay out of harm's way. But it seems he walked right into a trap.
Voice of: Theodora Arzu, Mother of Deceased
"Right after they let him go he came home and told his brother that he had been released from the police station. That he was free and everything was ok. So the best thing for him was to go to Belize City and seek a job because there was someone in the station telling him things so he decided to go to Belize City to get a job."
His childhood friend says Velasquez wasn't a bad person he was just with bad company.
Jose Mejia, Friend of Deceased
"We grew up together and knew each other for over 15 years. He is a good guy but the only thing is that he was with the wrong friends. They have a saying that says "if you can't catch Harry you catch his shirt". It is so sad."
Mejia and Arzu are now left with vivid memories of all the time spent with their loved one who never left without assuring everything was ok with him.
Voice of: Jose Mejia, Friend of Deceased
"I can just remember the times we would come together and just play football on the football field or basketball on the basketball court. Just being together."
Voice of: Theodora Arzu, Mother of Deceased
"Every morning he would come here. He would come here and visit everyone. His brother. Make his coffee. Then he goes away."
"Yes he was very charming with everyone. Sometimes he would come frustrated, but then everything would be okay."
We note that while we were on the island the police presence was heavy. We observed GSU and police officers patrolling the San Mateo area. A statement from the San Pedro Town Council says quote, "the government of Belize will do whatever it takes to re-establish a sense of security on the island for our citizenry and visitors." The release adds, quote, "the two recent murders (of Alfredo Cowo and Paul Jex) are suspected to be fueled by gang spinoff from Belize City who are finding new avenues to control the drug trade in Belize," end quote.
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