There was blast of violence last night in the city – 5 persons were shot – 2 of them fatally. Among the murder victims is 12 year old David Morrison. It has sent waves of pain and rage across the city as this innocent life was cut short. Morrison and Lloyd Valentine were shot dead on Orange Street. We start off with their killings. Courtney Weatherburne has more.

The usual active and energetic atmosphere on Orange Street vanished last night after 7:00 as gunshots echoed throughout south side Belize City – killing two persons and injuring another.

ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, OCB Belize City
"They were socializing at the corner of Cemetery Road and Pregnant Alley when a male person rode towards them and fired several shots."

26 year old Lloyd Valentine was hit to the head and stomach. He died on the spot.

Albert Wagner was struck to the left arm and the bullet exited the right side of his stomach. He survived.

And the other victim is 12 year old David Morrison. He was shot twice to the head. It is an unthinkable tragedy – one that has the neighborhood incensed.

Even more so because police normally maintain heavy presence in the area.

ASP Alejandro Cowo - OC, OCB Belize City
"Yes police were in the area and they were patrolling at the corner of Euphrates and cemetery road at the time of the incident and it did not take long to arrive at the scene."

Jules Vasquez
"I thought it was a stationary presence right at the mouth of the alley right beside the fruit vendor."

ASP Alejandro Cowo
"It is a stationary patrol, but we have to be mindful that they are not to remain seated their the entire tour of their duty they are responsible to patrol for that entire length and behind water lane."

But it's no use wondering if this double murder could have been prevented if the cops had remained in the area. Right now the focus is on gathering information and leads to figure out the motive and solve this case – a process that is easier said than done.

Jules Vasquez
"Are you able to say who was the target?"

ASP Alejandro Cowo
"Well it was a group of persons standing socializing so I can't tell you if there was any specifically who was the intended target."

Reporter
"Is there anything to suggest that there is some kind of a rivalry brewing between the Taylor's Alley group and any other Belize City groups?"

ASP Alejandro Cowo
"Well it is a fact that they are surrounded by several gangs within that area and we suspect is it a gang dispute between the Taylor's Alley and another gang that is in the immediate area."

And 12 year old David was innocently caught right in the middle of that dispute.

Today his standard 6 teacher at Queen Square Baptist Primary School says little David had no part in the street life.

Patricia Wade - Teacher/Vice Principal, Queen Square Baptist School
"That was not his life, school was his life, that was not his world, he may come from there but he was not part of that he was very dedicated to his school."

And in memory of his love of school, his classmates and close friends gathered outside to say their final goodbyes.

It was a cheerful send off – one David, who was such a joy, would have appreciated.

Patricia Wade - Teacher/Vice Principal, Queen Square Baptist School
"He was the life of the class, he was very vibrant, he loved dancing, he talked a lot, he was Mr. Talk, loved to express himself. David had lots of friends, he was close to everyone in the class, everybody has something fun that they could tell you about him."

Courtney Weatherburne
"Of course I know hearing about it I am sure you just shuddered."

Patricia Wade
"It is very heart wrenching to know that your baby will not be able graduate, will not be able to sit his PSE and he was so looking forward to going to high school, he wanted to go to Wesley College."

But just like David's young life and all his dreams were shattered.

Morrison's teacher says he had moved to Ladyville so she is not sure what he was doing at the Alley. 

The other shooting victim is Albert Wagner who was admitted in a stable condition.

Police say they are looking for 2 men in this case.  It is a gang rivalry, and the gangs co-exist in very close proximity, so police are also trying to contain retaliations.