Well-known Belize city businessman, Michael Williams was executed on Sunday morning. He is the son of icon of the hot sauce icon, Marie Sharp. Williams was shot dead on North Front Street after midnight. The family is convinced it was a planned hit but they are baffled as to why anyone would want to take his life. Courtney Weatherburne has more.
Courtney Weatherburn reporting
Almost every day Michael Williams would be at the Marie Sharp's Meighan Avenue warehouse in the city, overseeing deliveries and carrying out other duties as the general manager. His staff enjoyed his company especially his employee of 19 years, Ismael Rodriguez who celebrated his birthday with Williams on Friday.
Ismael Rodriguez, Employee
"Thursday was the birthday and on Friday he decided to take me out, very sad."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"You were very close with him? You guys had a close relationship?"
Ismael Rodriguez, Employee
"Yes, we were like brothers."
And it hit Rodriguez and Williams' family very hard when they got the news that Williams was gunned down on North Front Street early Sunday morning.
Jody Williams, Son
"I am still deeply hurt about what happened to my dad, all of us. I got the news Sunday morning around 8:00 via facebook and you know we left immediately to Belize City and we heard what happened that he was killed on North Front Street."
According to the report, Williams was dropping off his girlfriend at her home on North Front Street. While they were parked in front of her house talking, two gunmen emerged and one of them shot Williams, shattering the driver's side window and hitting him in shoulder and armpit.
ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head, CIB
"They observed a gold in color SUV parked on the right hand side of the street inside of that vehicle, the motionless body of a male person was seen who was later identified as Mr. Michael Alexander Williams 58 year old general manager of a Belize City address. Upon opening the vehicle police found that he was suffering from two apparent gunshot wounds to the body."
At this point neither Williams' family nor the police know why Williams - a beloved father and well-known businessman was targeted.
Jody Williams, Son
"We want answers. It wasn't just a random thing, It was a hit, honestly it was a hit, We want answers, we want justice."
"We are depending on the police to get answers, We are working closely with them."
ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head, CIB
"He has no record with the police and the female who was along with him is also a person that does not show up on our records likewise."
Reporter:
"Anything to indicate if he was set up any at all?"
ASP Alejandro Cowo, Head, CIB
"We don't have any indication of that and we don't have a motive as to why he was shot."
So as police work on this puzzling case, Williams' family has to cope with the loss of another loved one in just two weeks
Jody Williams, Son
"He was a very good man. He loved his family. He loved his business, He is the eldest son of Marie Sharp."
"He went out of his way to help anyone as well, he had so many friends in the Belize city especially. Everyone is shocked, everyone surprised and as you see on social media and people coming here you know everyone remember Mr. Mike. Everyone loved him."
"Mrs. Sharp just lost her husband a couple weeks ago and now her son so right now we especially, we boys right now are being there for my grandmother and my mom who deeply will miss my dad."
Williams leaves behind 3 sons. Police are questioning his girlfriend but at this point they have no suspects.
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