On Monday, June 18th, 36-year-old David Melendez, a resident of Plantation Road in Ladyville appeared before Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where he was read six charges. Melendez was charged with two counts of attempted murder upon Antonio Cowo and Rudolfo Suarez. He was additionally charged with two counts of the use of deadly means of harm and dangerous harm upon Cowo and Suarez.
In court, Melendez was unrepresented and no plea was taken since the matters are being dealt on indictment. Due to the nature of the offenses, bail was denied and Melendez was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until July 18.
In a report to police, Antonio Cowo says that he was riding his bicycle on Plantation Road and upon passing David Melendez’s home, Melendez called him over. He went into his room and that’s when he saw his uncle drunk. According to Cowo, Melendez then pulled out a machete and advanced towards him and chopped him. After attacking him, he claims that Melendez then left from inside the house and went outside where he saw him just begin to chop up Suarez.
  The motive for the alleged chopping is not certain.
