By the WBWTN News Team | May 9, 2025
Belize City, (WBWTN) - Despite the heavy police presence and ongoing State of Emergency targeting gang-related violence in Belize City, gunfire rang out in the early afternoon today, taking the life of a 26 year old man identified as Zinedine Pinelo, a well-known boat captain from San Pedro Town.
Information of the incident confirmed that the deadly shooting occurred around 12:35 p.m. on Hunters Lane an area currently under the SOE crackdown due to recent spikes in murders and gun violence. Pinelo had reportedly come to the city with a companion to meet a friend when several men approached them. One of the men suddenly pulled a firearm and opened fire in broad daylight.
Pinelo was hit multiple times and collapsed on the scene, while his companion managed to flee unhurt. First responders from the Northside CIB found Pinelo lying motionless on the ground, dressed in an orange long-sleeve shirt and grey three-quarter pants.
Pinelo died on the scene however he was officially pronounced dead after arriving at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. Police have no suspects, and no one has been detained in connection with the killing.
This incident raises further questions about the effectiveness of the SOE, as several known gang members remain in custody, yet gunmen continue to operate on the streets. The brazenness of today’s murder suggests that the security strategy in place may need urgent reassessment.
