Suspect Identified in Murder of Jose Matus

Investigators have identified a suspect in the murder of Jose Matus, and have impounded the vehicle allegedly used in the crime. Last Friday, Matus was gunned down as he attempted to drive off from a home at the corner of Rio Grande Crescent and Singh Street. Just after midday, two men armed with a .223 rifle and a .9mm pistol exited from a van and let off over two dozen shots at Matus. The Corozal resident died on the spot, while his two female passengers received injuries to their bodies. Commissioner of Police Chester Williams says police have since learned the van was rented by a Belize City man who is being sought by police. 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: “So far police have located one van which we believe was the van used by those who perpetrated that criminal act and we’re currently looking for one suspect at this time. The van is a rental, was rented from an individual here in Belize City. We have the information of the person who rented the van and that’s the person we’re seeking at this time. The truth is for the past three times prior to his death every time he would come to the city he would be pursued by those who may have wanted him dead. We had warned him on numerous occasions to try and stay away from the city and seemingly he still came in and those who were in pursuit of him managed to catch up with him and he was eventually killed.”

In the wake of his murder, police have ramped up their presence in strategic areas of Belize City. According to ComPol Williams, the measures are being taken to prevent retaliatory action. 

Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police: “Since Friday we had put in place certain things to avert any possible retaliation. That is holding so far and we continue to maintain our presence on the grounds and do whatever else we need to do to try and prevent any retaliation. Apparently he just picked up one of the young ladies who was walking home and dropped her home right where he was killed. We don’t believe that the young ladies had anything to do with his death per se he was just doing one of them a favor.”

Williams added that the motive behind Matus’ murder is believed to be drug-related.