By Belize Live News Staff: The man accused of killing Kenneth “Big Tom” Flowers — 50-year-old tour guide Sidney Louis Peyrefitte — has asked authorities for special protection while in prison, citing fears for his safety following his arraignment for murder.
Peyrefitte appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon, surrounded by a strong police escort, a sign of growing concerns about retaliation given the victim’s ties to Belize City’s street groups.
Once before the magistrate, Peyrefitte requested to be placed in protective custody, saying his life was in danger due to threats allegedly made since the shooting. The magistrate noted that his security would be a matter for prison administration and that his family should coordinate with law enforcement if they believed his life was at risk.
Peyrefitte did not enter a plea and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until December 11.
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a personal conflict between Peyrefitte and Flowers. Evidence from the scene included multiple 9mm shell casings and visible bullet holes in the victim’s vehicle.
Police say Peyrefitte was later caught in an SUV and reportedly confessed to firing toward Flowers’ vehicle.
This is not Peyrefitte’s first brush with the law; in 2008, he was charged with discharging a firearm in public, though that case was later struck out.
