Arrest Made in First Murder of 2023: Denvoy Bartley Charged in Central American Boulevard Shooting

After almost half of a year, investigators have nabbed the man they believe committed the first murder of 2023. On Sunday, 22-year-old Denvoy Bartley was arrested and charged with the New Year’s Day murder of Lionel Lee Budna. Bartley is accused of fatally shooting Budna on Central American Boulevard while he was heading home. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, explained that Bartley was on the run but says police are yet to ascertain a motive.

Hilberto Romero, Superintendent of Police: “We have since arrested and charged Denvoy Bartlett for the crime of murder. This is after an investigation was conducted into the matter. We were looking for him from then and he was apprehended over the weekend. Further investigation was carried out and now he has been charged. We did not establish a clear motive for this murder.”

Reporter: Is he cooperating with police? 

Hilberto Romero, Superintendent of Police: “No not at this time. Yes he was hiding we are not sure where he was but he was found over the weekend here in Belize city.”