By Belize Live News Staff: The murder of Raheem Usher, whose body was found wrapped in plastic with two gunshot wounds, was not a cartel hit but a crime staged to resemble one, according to police.
Usher had been missing since January 25 before his body was discovered near a bridge in San Antonio Village. A handwritten note listing several names was found nearby, fueling speculation that his death was an execution linked to organized crime.
However, Police Commissioner Chester Williams dismissed those claims, citing key inconsistencies that suggest the crime was made to appear like a cartel killing.
“I believe this was not the work of a cartel but rather locals trying to make it look that way,” Williams said.
He pointed out that true cartel executions follow distinct patterns, including the disposal of bodies and the style of written messages. The use of English in the note, the way Usher’s body was wrapped, and the location where it was found did not align with typical cartel killings.
Williams acknowledged that while the perpetrators might have ties to organized crime, there was no clear evidence that a cartel ordered or carried out the murder.
“It’s possible the individuals behind this killing have cartel connections, but that doesn’t mean the cartel was involved,” he explained.
As the investigation continues, police are working to determine a motive and identify suspects while urging the public to avoid speculation until more evidence is uncovered.
