Devon Lopez arraigned for Monday night shooting

Posted: Wednesday, January 13^th, 2016. 2:41 p.m. CST

By Aaron Humes: 19 year old Devon Tariq Lopez is accused of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm against 18 year old Shenell Rowland, expecting her first child in three months’ time, along with her mother, 41 year old Stephanie Smith, recovering from a surgery to remove the bullet lodged in her abdomen.

Rowland and Smith were shot after 4 gunmen opened fire at their Dolphin Street home, initially targeting two men sitting on their steps, then, after missing their targets, firing into the house as the women struggled to close the front door. Reports say as many as 15 shots were fired.

Lopez, a labourer of Lakeview Street, Belize City, who was unrepresented, appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith where he was read two counts each of attempted murder, dangerous harm and use of deadly means of harm upon Rowland and Smith.

No plea was taken from Lopez and due to the nature of the offenses, he was denied bail and remanded to the Belize Central Prison until February 26, 2016.

Police investigations into the matter continue. Several persons have been detained including, at last report, Tyrone Meighan of Banak Street, but neither he nor anyone else faces charges at this time apart from Lopez.

Police suspect, but have not firmly connected, the death of Cleon “Tush” Smith of Hattieville to Monday night’s incident. Smith was Shenell’s uncle and suggestions are that he was caught between rival gangs from the City.

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