Belize Defense Force soldier fatally shot in hunting accident

Published by [email protected] at June 11, 2023

Tags

Posted: Sunday, June 11, 2023. 6:32 am CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: In a tragic hunting mishap near the El Pilar Maya site on Saturday, June 10th, 2023, a Belize Defense Force soldier was shot dead. The unfortunate incident occurred when the man was mistaken for game by his hunting partner.

Elvis Humes, a 45-year-old electrician from Bullet Tree Falls Village in Cayo, reportedly called the local police at 8:30 pm to report the incident and seek assistance. According to his report, he had been on a hunting trip with John Norberto and the victim, 28-year-old Jose Manzanero, in the El Pilar area of Bullet Tree Falls Village.

Humes stated that he ventured into the bushes after hearing what he believed to be an animal, leaving his companions by the roadside. On his return, Humes claims he saw a glint that he thought was a deer’s eye about sixty feet away. Reacting to this, Humes fired his 16-gauge shotgun, only to hear a man cry out in pain.

Rushing to the spot, Humes discovered he had accidentally shot his friend Manzanero. After attempting to aid Manzanero, who seemed motionless and possibly dead, Humes sought out phone service to call the authorities.

The crime scene was processed by Oscar Quiroz Sr., a scene of crime technician. One Stevens brand 16-gauge shotgun was retrieved from Humes and an expended 16-gauge cartridge was found at the scene.

The deceased, Jose Alberto Manzanero, had been carrying a 9mm Berretta pistol with a magazine containing 14 live rounds of ammunition. He was transported to San Ignacio Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:06 am on Sunday, June 11th, 2023 by Dr. Javier Alpuche. A post-mortem examination is yet to be conducted.

Born on 3rd June 1995, Manzanero served in the Belize Defense Force. Elvis Humes, born on 21st September 1977, has been detained pending further investigation into the incident.

The tragic hunting accident is a somber reminder of the potential dangers associated with hunting and the necessity for safety precautions. Further details will be provided as the investigation continues.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-601-0315.