By Belize Live News Staff: A 21-year-old man was fatally shot during an attempted robbery in Cayo over the weekend, sparking public debate over the use of lethal force.
Police have identified the deceased as Zeldon Thompson. Authorities say Thompson was not the victim of a gang-related incident or ongoing feud but was shot while allegedly attempting to rob a grocery store in Santa Elena Town.
According to police, the incident occurred on Saturday, 20th December 2025, at approximately 5:40 p.m., when officers were alerted to a robbery in progress at a business establishment located along the George Price Highway. Police were informed that two masked individuals entered the store, one wearing a mask and the other a helmet, and demanded money from the proprietors while armed.
Police say one of the proprietors, who is the holder of a licensed firearm, discharged three shots in fear for his life and the lives of family members who were inside the establishment. The suspects reportedly fled the scene.
A short distance from the store, officers later observed a male person suffering from gunshot wounds. He was later identified as Thompson. He was transported to the hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead around 7:00 p.m. while undergoing medical procedures.
Crime scene technicians processed two scenes, and police recovered several items of evidential value, including a ski mask, a knife, a motorcycle, and three expended shells. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
