Police Officer Charged With Murder in Caye Caulker Stabbing Case

Police have formally charged a police officer in connection with the fatal stabbing of an American student on Caye Caulker last year, following months of investigation and directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions.  Today, police arrested and charged 20-year-old Police Constable Lionel Rodolfo Urbina, a Belizean of San Ignacio, Cayo District, in relation to the death of Kevin Matthew Depaz, who was fatally stabbed on June 30, 2025, in Caye Caulker Village, Belize District.  Urbina has been charged with one count of Murder in relation to Depaz’s death, two counts of Attempted Murder against Neesean Allen and Julian Canul, and two counts of Use of Deadly Means of Harm against the same individuals.  This morning, Urbina was escorted off Caye Caulker and transported to Belize City, where he appeared at 11:42 a.m. before the Chief Magistrate. He was read five indictable offenses arising from the incident. No plea was taken, and due to the serious nature of the charges, bail was denied. Urbina was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until March 31, when disclosure is expected to be provided. His next court appearance will be in the San Pedro Magistrate’s Court. Urbina appeared unrepresented.  The charges stem from a violent incident that occurred shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025. Police say off-duty officers PC Lionel Urbina and PC Darneak Swasey were purchasing food at a fast-food establishment on Luciano Reyes Street when an altercation occurred involving occupants of a golf cart, including Depaz, his girlfriend, and Julian Canul.  According to police reports, Depaz and Canul exited the golf cart and assaulted another individual before leaving the area. The off-duty officers later followed the golf cart and confronted its occupants when it stopped. A second golf cart, driven by Neesean Allen, arrived shortly thereafter, and a violent confrontation ensued, resulting in multiple stab injuries.  Depaz sustained a fatal stab wound to the abdomen and was transported to the Caye Caulker Health Clinic, where he was pronounced dead at 2:45 a.m. Canul suffered a stab wound to the throat, Allen sustained injuries to his abdomen, and PC Swasey received injuries to his leg. All injured parties were later transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital for treatment.  Both Urbina and Swasey were initially detained pending the outcome of the investigation.  Following a comprehensive review of the evidence and further directives from the Director of Public Prosecutions, police were instructed to charge Urbina only. PC Darneak Swasey was released in accordance with the DPP’s directions.  Investigations into the matter have now progressed to the judicial phase as Urbina awaits further court proceedings.