Email

Print

On Tuesday, we told you about 27-year-old Eric Tillett. He is the Belize City resident from Lavender Street who was shot on Monday night, just before the start of the evening news.

As we told you, residents from the St. Martin's Area heard the sound of at least 10 gunshots being fired, and when the shooting stopped, they found Tillett suffering from multiple injuries inside his yard.

During today's press briefing, the police shared what they have been able to find out about the incident so far:

Supt. Alejandro Cowo - OC, CIB
"On Monday, at about 6:30 p.m., police visited Lavender Street, where they observed Eric Tillett suffered apparent gunshot wounds to the body. He was transported to the hospital, where he is still admitted in a critical but stable condition. What police have gathered so far is that Mr. Tillett was walking towards his residence, and upon reaching in front of the gate, someone came from behind and fired several shots in his direction, causing the injuries to him."

Reporter
"Sir, does he have any ideas as to who this shooter may have been?"

Supt. Alejandro Cowo
"We have spoken to him, and he is claiming that he did not see who was the person or persons who fired shots at him. Nonetheless, police are still investigating the matter, and we detained several persons, but we had to release them."

Reporter
"Does he have any known disputes with people in the area?"

Supt. Alejandro Cowo
"That area where he resides, we know is controlled by one of the groups there, and we spoke to him, and he says that he doesn't know who the person is, or why it was that someone wanted to shoot him."

Reporter
"Is it gang-related? Do investigators believe so?"

Sup. Alejandro Cowo
"We have not determined that at this moment."

Reporter
"Is the victim associated, or linked to any gang?"

Supt. Alejandro Cowo
"Yes, he is."

In May of this year, Tillett and several males, including minors, were allegedly caught in the act of burglarizing Alarice Andrewin's home at mile 10 and a half on the George Price Highway. Police were driving by and came upon the crime in progress. They were able to capture all the burglars, including Tillett who has been charged for the crime. One month later, there was a triple murder at that home.