Bodies of Evadnie and Luke Jones Found Hours After Cedar Street Shooting

Evadnie Jones and her disabled, son, Luke laid on the ground inside their yard on Cedar Street for more than twelve hours before their bodies were found.  It is the tragic end to two lives who, by all accounts, were humble and peaceful residents.  We join Reporter Jaleeza Roberts for more on this heartbreaking familicide.  

Jaleeza Roberts, Love News: This was Patrick “Pato” Jones on Thursday night in live video on TikTok. Less than 24 hours after this video went viral Jones’ mother and brother were callously killed in their yard on Cedar Street, Belize City. Gunshots were heard around 7:30 pm on Friday. Police responded but with the bodies on the ground behind a zinc fence no crime scene was found. 17 hours later, when police commissioner received a call from abroad telling him of the murder, a second round of police was sent to the area where they verified that both mother and son, Evadney and Luke Jones, were killed. 

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police: “We are following strong leads and we do have persons of interest that I do not want to disclose to protect the integrity of the investigation. Well we have deployed all available investigative resources and our investigators are on the ground meticulously collecting evidence and material for us to be able to identify and bring the perpetrator to justice.”

Jaleeza Roberts, Love News: Despite reassurances from the police department, the sense of peace in a once quiet neighborhood in the Collett constituency has been deeply shaken. Fear now hangs heavily in the air with residents too afraid to speak openly to our news team on the ground. Area representative DevIn Daly expressed his personal sorrow over the tragedy saying the loss struck close to home as he knew both victims personally. 

Devin Daly, Collet Area Representative: “Be your neighbour’s keeper. I will try my best to continue to advocate against crime. I trust in what the police department and the minister is doing to prevent further situations and retaliations for this. But in the end we have to start to show more love for our people, for our community, and overall more togetherness.”

Jaleeza Roberts, Love News: Luke Jones, a familiar face at the bus terminal and often seen outside La Popular Bakery, just around the corner from his home, was a member of the Belize Association for Persons with Diverse Abilities. Today, BAPDA Vice President Noel Young reflected fondly on his memories of both Evadney and Luke while urging authorities to take urgent action against the rising tide of violence targeting persons with disabilities.

Noel Young, Vice President, BAPDA: “He was always there, always wanted to do that small out smile, always willing to be a part and to be active in any activities that the organization had.  No challenge was too big or too small. He always made it to the office. We have a ramp there. He would always be in his wheelchair going there. His mother as well. His mother was a big instrumental part of being a part of BAPDA. She made several occasions at our meetings as well.  She was very vocal, very instrumental and very willing, always willing to lend a helping hand or to do what was necessary for the organization. There must be a stop one way or another. There must be a stop. There must be stricter penalties. There must be  implementation of some way or form that allows us to feel safer in our communities, in our homes.”

Jaleeza Roberts, Love News: This double murder is feared to be only the beginning of more violence to come. Though the police department maintains that the situation is under control. 

Dr. Richard Rosado, Commissioner of Police: “We are monitoring the situation on the ground.  We have increased our special branch officers to collect intelligence on the ground. We are conducting targeted operations to break the cycle, to prevent any retaliation. We will  use all available resources while we have a continuum of policing strategies available to us, from community policing to combat policing, we will use all available strategies, including all legal framework, to ensure that we break the cycle of violence.”

Jaleeza Roberts, Love News: The bodies of Evadney and Luke Jones were taken to the National Forensic Science Service in Ladyville due to the state of decomposition. Jaleeza Roberts, Love News.