Last night in Toledo, a soldier was killed at a remote outpost, in Crique Carco - which is in the south central area of that District. That BDF has an outpost there where 13 soldiers and one policeman are stationed. But last night at around 8:30, two of them had a misunderstanding - which quickly escalated first to assault - and then to murder.
Lance Corporal Alfredo Robinson took out his M4 Carbine - which is a military assault rifle - and fired at least 8 shots - killing private Clive Baizar with whom he'd had a misunderstanding - and leaving one other soldier with minor injuries.
We spoke via Zoom with the Force Commander, General Loria:..
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commander, BDF
"This private Baizar, he has been serving for more than 22 years in the Belize Defense Force, and we know about the disturbed loss for the family, because he has been part of our family as well. But incidents like this do happen across the militaries around the world."
Jules Vasquez
"Was alcohol involved from what you've been able to find out?"
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commander, BDF
"Mr. Vasquez, alcohol, we at this point in time, we do not rule out alcohol. We asked all the members, it was 14 members, 13 BDF and one police officer that were deployed to Crique Sarco."
"We requested as part of the regulations that they provide blood specimens, blood samples to which all but one complied. So the only person that did not comply is the prime suspect of the fatality."
Jules Vasquez
"What would motivate an officer take out his M4 carbine and start firing?"
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commander, BDF
"From what we have been updated so far is that yesterday, a private Baizar and Lance Corporal Robinson were bantering essentially outside on the veranda of the building where they are occupying it."
"And it is when the Lance Corporal decided to go inside of the building, he got a smack, a big smack from Private Baizar with allegedly using some words, bwai go inside and leave me alone because of the bantering, I think, that the bantering was getting heavy, but the smack it could be, some could classify it as a super punch. It was too hard. Probably that is what got to the Lance Corporal. And he went into inside the building, cranked his weapon or cocked his weapon in the military term for it and came in back outside and pulled the trigger."
Jules Vasquez
"Had the Lance Corporal been troubled for some time and was help being given to him or was it being ignored?"
Brig. Gen. Azariel Loria, Commander, BDF
"At this point in time, Mr Vasquez, I do not know. I don't have that information. I do not believe that he sought any attention from our wellness facility."
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