As we reported at the top of the newscast, George "Junie Balls" McKenzie was murdered near his home in Pink's Alley last night. It wasn't just another murder because "Junie Balls" McKenzie wasn't just another man. He was a legend in his own right - once a feared gang leader who made an almost seamless transition to the godfather of Pink's Alley - revered and respected. Here's more on the life and times of "Junie Balls" McKenzie.

Keith Swift Reporting,
With his trademark dreadlocks in his face - George "Junie Balls" McKenzie first gained national prominence in February of 1995. Then a feared gangster -"Junie Nalls" McKenzie stood shoulder to shoulder with rival gang leaders at the historic gang truce at the Bird's Isle on February 21st of 1995. Superintendent Edward Broaster -who first met "Junie Balls" McKenzie way back in 1988 - helped broker the 1995 truce and he says it was Junie Balls who approached him.

Supt. Edward Broaster,
"He asked why are we pressuring the young people, why can't the young people and police work together. So he was the one who initiated the dialogue between the police and the young people at that time whereby the famous truce that occurred on February 10th I believe at Bird's Isle in 1995 came to being."

But at first, Broaster says Junie Balls McKenzie - said one thing but did the other.

Supt. Edward Broaster,
"He approached me in 1994. He gave it up during the day but during the night he continued with his ways of doing things and we worked with him and I must say that the program changed the violent person he used to be but still he had some issues that he needed addressed."

After he was shot in his back in the late 90s and left injured - that's when Junie Balls decided to change his life. Junie Balls was killed here at the entrance of Pink's Alley. This was where he lived, this was his turf and back here he was more than just a gangster; he was a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a football coach, and to most he was a mentor.

Pulu, Close Friend
"This whole is turned upside down now. It is like we against the world. He was the godfather, the general. We called him the general or daddy because when he came around, everyone was happy."

It was a transition from gangster to godfather and Nuri Muhammad watched it. He worked with Junie Balls on the gang truce and says they've been friends for 15 years. But more than a friend - Muhammad says Junie Balls had the gift of leadership.

Nuri Muhammad, Fmr. CYDP & YFF Director
"The man was full of charisma. He was not an educated person but he commanded people who were far more educated than he was because of this gut, this vibe that came from beyond just intellect. He was a fearless street soldier in the conflicts of these street organizations that we were troubled with many years. He was in the center of that and if it was not for his support of the gang truce back in 1995, it would not have been successful because he at that time, had a powerful influence over Belize City, particularly on the north side."

Muhammad says in the years since the gang truce - "Junie Balls" McKenzie did change his life - doing things such as sponsoring this football team for children from Pink's Alley but Nuri Muhammad says society never really gave Junie Balls the opportunity to change.

Nuri Muhammad, Fmr. CYDP & YFF Director
"Because he maintained his dreads and because he had his own way of movement, there are some who may have looked at him and figured he hadn't changed. But none of us knows the other's heart. We can only judge by actions and those who were observing Junie Balls over the last five years, can all testify he was in this transition change. This was one of the kindest, gentlest, fun to be with, always kind of joking when he is relaxed and with friends. I lost a friend last night and the best way I can do that is to continue to be inspired to work with other youths who are along that same line."

But perhaps "Junie Balls" McKenzie said it best. In one of his rare interviews - on June 24th of 2004 - he expressed his frustration with "the system."

George "Junie Balls" McKenzie, Deceased
[June 2004] "We are tired of this. We done know that is the system. Once you play with the system, it is either jail or death. You know once you it is one way you are going."

Keith Swift,
What is one thing you would want to tell the Commissioner or anybody out there?

George "Junie Balls" McKenzie,
"I would just want the police to leave the streets alone because the street men aren't the problem. The police are the problem because if the police came to us with respect, we will go to them with respect. Why do you think we are still living because you can't disrespect the police and expect you will live here. That is why we are still living."

But George "Junie Balls" McKenzie is dead. He was no hero and he was certainly no saint -but he never said he was.

George "Junie Balls" McKenzie, Reformed Gangster
[June 2004]"People know when we are kicking up dust, we are kicking dust and we don't care who see and who don't."

Keith Swift,
And you don't do that anymore?

George "Junie Balls" McKenzie,
"We don't do that anymore. You can go behind my back and ask anyone about me. Ask them when was the last time you saw Junie Balls. We are trying to deal with some sports thing. We just had a marathon the other day...big marathon at the MCC grounds."

And for all his supposed, badness, Junie Balls spent little time in jail. He left behind two children.