By Breaking Belize News Staff: Police are investigating a double murder in Cotton Tree Village, Cayo District, where 27-year-old Fernando Jones and 21-year-old Esau Perez were shot and killed early Friday morning following a wake.
According to Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith, officers on patrol heard gunshots at approximately 3:57 a.m. and responded to the area, where they discovered both men with apparent gunshot wounds.
Investigators believe Jones was the intended target. Smith explained that Jones was leaving the wake when an armed man emerged and fired several shots at him. As the gunman fled, he also fired in the direction of Perez, fatally wounding him.
Smith said investigators believe the shooting is connected to an ongoing dispute between rival factions operating in the village. Two persons of interest have been detained as investigations continue.
Police are also preparing for possible retaliation. Smith confirmed that operational efforts in the village have been adjusted, particularly with another wake or gathering reportedly scheduled for Friday night.
She acknowledged that police had already stationed a patrol in Cotton Tree because of previous violent incidents but revealed that Commissioner of Police Dr. Richard Rosado identified a lapse in patrol operations on the night of the murders.
Smith said corrective action would be taken and those responsible for the lapse would be held accountable.
Cotton Tree has experienced previous incidents of gun violence, including a double murder in 2024 and another fatal shooting in August 2026. However, police have not established any connection between those incidents and Friday’s killings.
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