On the night of Thursday, April 22, a resident of Punta Gorda Town, Toledo was shot and killed as he sat on his verandah. Less than a week later, police believe that they have found the responsible party, a 16-year-old minor. That minor has since been arrested and charged for the crime of murder in the presence of a social worker.
His victim, 37-year-old Kevonn Wade, was sitting on the verandah of his home located near Uno Gas Station on Main Street at around 7:30 p.m. when shots rang out, with residents recounting hearing the echoes of as many as six gunshots. In the aftermath, Wade, originally from the Western Paradise community located in the Belize District, lay motionless on the ground. Police were quick in their response, but despite their rapid reaction, the gunman had already fled the area and Wade was pronounced dead on arrival at the Punta Gorda Polyclinic. Surveillance video from the scene shows the shooter, fleeing on foot.
Police are following several leads to ascertain what might have led to Wade’s murder, since from all accounts, he was a quiet and upstanding citizen. ACP Joseph Myvett, Head of the National Crimes Investigation Branch, says that the police have several theories, including that the minor may have had a prior confrontation with Wade, and that Wade might have been murdered over gang and/or drug related activities.
