By Belize Live News Staff: Hero pilot Howell Grange has issued legal notice to the Belize Airports Authority (BAA), signaling his intent to sue over a violent hijacking incident that occurred on April 17 at the Ranchito airstrip in Corozal.
Grange, represented by Senior Counsel Dean Barrow, alleges that the BAA failed in its duty to secure the municipal airstrip, allowing US national Akinyela Taylor to board a Tropic Air flight without screening. Taylor reportedly stabbed Grange and two passengers in an attempt to hijack the flight to the U.S. He was later shot and killed by another passenger.
Grange, who was stabbed 11 times, is still recovering. The legal notice also covers Lilia Usher, a U.S. visitor injured in the incident.
The notice claims negligence and invites the BAA to consider a settlement before court proceedings begin.
