Justice for Jasmine

Belize is worth fighting for by: Aria Lightfoot

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Map of Belize

Jasmine Lowe is affectionately known as JLowe by her family and friends. She has only been gone for ten days; however the Belize news is so inundated with murder, mayhem, sexual predators and shootings that her memory is already fading in some people’s mind.  Unfortunately, victims in most cases do not get more than two days of air time. There is no mechanism in place to follow the progression of investigations by the police;  except  two years later in a failed court trial when most people hardly remember the circumstances of crime or the names of the victims, a final epitaph stating “Two more get away with murder of X”.

The news presented to Belizeans are poorly researched stories with catchy headlines and just enough information to tell you what happened, without actually explaining what or why it is happening. The media creates a disconnection with the victims by reporting their situation in a clinical statistical manner. “Three shot this weekend” while desensitizing the populace  with explicit images of dead blood ridden bodies or decomposing bodies. Ultimately people tune out crime news and express hopelessness in finding solutions.  The victims’ families are left powerless and many times faceless and voiceless except for the two days of initial coverage.

Just a couple days ago the Prime Minister of Belize opened himself up to the media and the questions were wanting. The media houses are heavily dependent on Jules Vasquez to ask the tough questions while they feed off his questions to present their stories.  When individually given the opportunity, they shy away from asking the tough necessary questions to help Belizeans understand what is happening in Belize. One person commented on our blog that the Prime Minister is insulting or vindictive. So what? That is a challenge of being a reporter. Ask the questions and stop taking things so damn personal.  If you cannot handle the heat, get out the fire and make way for someone who will.  (See Faye’s daily dingle berry: https://twocanview.com/2012/06/15/daily-dingleberry-06-15-12-why-uno-fraid-fi-dean-barrow/ ). The media must remember that they are a very important function of democracy. They have an obligation to present accurate unbiased information, ask the tough questions, research their stories and follow up and keep us apprised of the state of the country’s affairs.

As a people, we the citizens of Belize are also failing to be effective and productive citizens. Brent Toombs wrote an excellent article why we are failing as a society. (https://twocanview.com/2012/06/13/we-need-tougher-laws-but-not-for-me-by-brent-toombs/ ).   We are too caught up in our personal narcissistic ways to contribute to the success of Belize. We say we want change, but we expect the government to implement changes as long as the changes don’t affect us personally.  We vote for representatives, but we only claim that representative if he is from our political party. We fight; quarrel, point fingers; question people’s agenda; categorize them; and call people names. We lack basic respect for each other’s opinion.  As a  people, we are left blaming everyone  and failing to see our own role in socieity.  Ultimately, we will sink or swim as a nation.

So back to JLowe.  I have been following this story very closely.  Only thing I am sure of is that there is a deviant sexual predator that lurks out there. One that will attack more victims until he is caught and prosecuted or die of natural causes. I have been asking questions from attorneys, doctors and police officers. I am very interested to know about the investigative process. I want to know why so many of the court cases are failing. I want to understand so I can explain it to you.  We need to understand what ails us as a society so we can undergo the process of healing our society

Jasmine Lowe- Murdered victim

Here is what I found out as an avid follower of JLowe’s investigation:

  1. According to Belize law, we do not need a forensic pathologist to examine a murdered body, just a medical doctor, therefore, Dr. Estradaban do not need to investigate death, just certify it.  I was additionally told cause of death is not necessarily important to present a murder case. I personally find that very hard to believe because reasonable doubt is immediately created when the state cannot prove cause of death.
  2. Belize do not have the facilities to handle decomposing bodies, so many autopsies are done on the site.  According to one doctor I spoke to here in the U.S., crucial evidence could be lost performing autopsies in the field. Autopsies should be done in a lab setting.  Unfortunately, until we have the facilities to handle decomposing bodies, as a health safety procedure, bodies will continue to be handled in this manner.
  3. I was flabbergasted when I found out the crime scene was burned. The reporter only reported the scene was burned; but had he done some more digging rather than just report this fact, it would have negated a lot of speculations from the public.   I sought the counsel of an old teacher who is now a criminal defense attorney for the State of Texas. I asked him if burning the crime scene of a decomposing body was protocol in the cases he dealt with in the U.S. He stated that he has never heard anything like that and wondered why the doctor would order such a thing.  Well here is the answer. According to Clyde Williams, investigator in JLowe’s case, Belize does not have the necessary equipment to sterilize these crime scenes and because it is human remains and there is blood, it creates a hazardous environment, so burning the scene after evidence collection is protocol.
  4. I was also interested in knowing why cases fail in our court system.  According to Anthony Sylvester, the Irish Parliament did a review of their criminal justice system in 2006 (a system similar to ours) and found out that the justice system is skewed in favor of the defendant because in the past many people could not afford a defense attorney. Unfortunately, many laws are implemented in our system in an ad hoc manner without an evaluation of the justice system itself. So in other words we are implementing laws when we should actually be conducting a serious review of our legal system and restructuring our criminal laws. Belize is attempting to fight 2012 criminals with outdated, ineffective and poorly written laws. I think the Bar Association could play a vital role in addressing this issue.

There are some positives resulting from our dire situation in Belize. Mary Cariddi has successfully lobbied the government to have a ‘Jasmine Taxi Law’. The government is now in the process of changing the taxi laws and implementing an identification mechanism and background checks to register taxi drivers.  This is necessary because we trust that taxis will take us to our destination without harm.  The state will be providing safety procedures to ensure they can be held accountable and they are safe drivers.

Also, a group of interested citizens are creating a system called “Jasmine alert” to quickly update the public with information for missing children. The system will be a database that will keep people informed of when and where children go missing, their picture and background information. The idea is to galvanize the public into quick action to help locate vulnerable children before any harm befall them.

The First Lady of Belize, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, has additionally indicated that the laws involving children are being revamped and we should see stiffer sentences and more protections for child victims. As it is right now, children are at a disadvantage in the court system and because of their innocence, they are many times re-victimized through the testimony requirement of the court system making prosecutions difficult.

The society seems mobilized against criminals as the theme “enough is enough” is being resonated by law abiding tax paying citizens.   Citizens are realizing the limitations and difficulties the police face when investigating crime. People are trying to find ways to assist them.  The time is now to become part of the movement to influence the changes we want in our society.  This is not a political issue Belizeans, this is a Belizean issue.

Until Belizeans know what need to be changed and lobby their leaders effectively, we will continue in a downward spiral until we have no other choice but to suspend our all our laws and start over from scratch. In such a scenario, many innocent lives will be lost.  I appeal to the media to stop with the half ass reporting and begin to dig deep. Research your cases and explain to the Belize people why things are the way it is. You are the watchdogs of our society. I also appeal to my fellow Belizeans to become proactive citizens and become part of the movement for your children’s sake.  I implore Belizeans abroad to network and find ways to donate to Belize to improve our society.  We are all Belizeans and Belize is worth fighting for!

Belizean Flag

We need tougher laws. But not for me by: Brent Toombs

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Jasmine Lowe – murdered

Another young girl is dead.  The country is momentarily galvanized by outrage and grief.  Another vigil will be held.  People are calling for protest marches.  “Enough is enough!” we cry.  And ultimately what will change in Belize? 

Absolutely nothing.

 

I hope to God I am wrong.  I really hope I am underestimating the people of my nation.  I hope that one day soon we will look back at the tragic events of this week and remember Jasmine Lowe as not just another unsolved mystery, but as an angel sent to bring real change to our beleaguered country.  That her death was the tipping point when society finally moved to take real concrete action and accept the burden required for change.  That in the wake of this young girl’s murder, Belizeans finally decided they would become part of the process required to return our country the “tranquil haven” we love to sing about.

 

Unfortunately, recent history has shown that once the emotions subside we will not only return to our apathetic ways, but we will actively resist any attempt to improve the situation.

 

I remember attending a vigil and rally for the victims of “Jack”, five young girls who were sexually assaulted and murdered in a short period between 1998 and 1999.  The murders of those children remain unsolved.  But back on that day the most recent murder was still fresh in our minds and the emotions were raw.  When one of the speakers called for the “immediate ban on heavily tinted vehicles” the crowd roared back with its support for such a simple measure that would be one very small step towards making the streets safer for women and children.

 

Over a decade later, when government finally brought in legislation to limit the level of tint the majority of Belizeans balked.  The talk shows lit up with callers complaining that they should be allowed to tint their vehicles as dark as they please.  The opposition party openly ridiculed the government and dismissed this regulation as useless whimsy.  People, as they are prone to do in our country, simply thumbed their nose at yet another attempt to regulate anything in our society.

 

Now I am not suggesting Jasmine Lowe would be alive today if people complied with the law on vehicle tinting.  It’s not that simple.  But it is a perfect example of how we seem to resist every attempt to regulate society as soon as those regulations impede in the slightest on our own personal freedoms.

 

It’s absolutely useless to demand change and march in protest if we then turn around and fight the very authorities we call upon to change things.  We all want proper enforcement of laws and regulation, but we don’t want to actually comply ourselves.  How can any central authority be expected to effectively manage society if we resist every effort to impose regulations on us as individuals?

 

It’s time to face the fact that many of us are part of the problem.  It’s time to admit that everyone of us who disregards the simplest effort to bring order to chaos contributes to the wider problem of crime and violence.  Every time we expect to be exempted from the rules that govern our society, every time we resist additional regulations we undermine the entire system of law and order in Belize.

 

The police put up a checkpoint and we grumble about the 3-minute delay in our commute.  The law says we can’t serve alcohol to minors but we let the teenage girl drink in our bar or restaurant because the men buying her drinks are good (or well connected) customers.  The government says we must pay our taxes and duties yet we hide our transactions or use our connections to avoid contributing our fair share.  Most destructively of all, we turn a blind eye to those around us who operate outside of the law.

 

Every person in Belize seems to have a justification for why the rules are for everyone except themselves.  Political affiliation, economic status, family lineage, social network, race, gender, attitude, even level of attractiveness and physical prowess all seem to be legitimate exemptions to the laws and regulations that only ever apply to someone else.

 

You say you want to live in a safer society.  You want the government and law enforcement agencies to crack down on law-breakers.  You demand change.  But are you willing to play your part in that process?  Will you abide by increased regulation and enforcement efforts, or will you push back as soon as law and order becomes inconvenient for you?  Will you help pay the cost of public security or will you continue to work outside the system in order to benefit yourself?  Will you use your ballots to elect people of integrity to manage the affairs of our nation, or will you sell your vote to the candidate who offers you special favours?

 

A good friend of mine once described Belize as a “wonderful balance of order and anarchy”.  The problem now is the scale has tipped way too far in favour of anarchy.  It’s not just the gang-bangers, and drug dealers, and sexual predators who are destroying Belize.  We are all part of the problem whether we actively contribute to crime and disorder, passively resist attempts to improve the situation, or simply stick our heads in the sand.  Belize is broken. It’s seriously f*cked up.  There is nothing unpatriotic about saying that out loud.  The first step is always admitting you have a problem.

 

Yes, it’s a long and dotted line that connects the cyclist who rides against traffic, the bar owner or shopkeeper who does not abide by the condition of their liquor license, and the business person who cheats on their taxes, to the animal who would kill 13-year old Jasmine Lowe.  But how can we expect a society that cannot even adhere to the most basic tenants of order and governance, to protect our most vulnerable citizens?

 

I am encouraged to see Belizeans come together in this moment of national grief.  I am comforted by the fact that despite the overwhelming amount of senseless crime and violence we are exposed to daily, something can still touch our collective soul.  By all means, please take to the streets to march in protest.  Hold vigils in remembrance.  Flood the talk shows with angry pleas for justice and improved security.

 

Then take a moment to look inward and ask yourself, will you work to improve our society or resist those efforts once they become inconvenient for you as an individual?

Archbishop of Canterbury takes interest in Jasmine Lowe’s Case

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Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop has taken a special interest in the matter of Jasmine Lowe.  He stated that : “I can well imagine how devastated the entire community must be, and it’s particularly tragic that it should happen as she was about to share in a Jubilee celebration, which must have been such a cause of pride and happiness to her and her… family and friends. If you are in touch with friends there, do let them know that she and all her family will be remembered in prayers here at Lambeth Palace. I shall be in touch with the Royal Household.”
I will provide further updates regarding this emerging story.

More Questions as the Investigation into Jasmine’s Death Continues by: Aria Lightfoot

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Jamine Lowe-murdered

Today marks only eight days since little Jasmine has been gone and the country is plagued with so many other homicides that Jasmine’s may become a fading memory to some.  The trail has seemingly gone cold as the entire investigation seemed focused on a white taxi that turned out to be a dead end maybe. Rumors are swirling of a new focus in the investigation. Could the police be pulling at straws?  Additionally, according to Plus TV, someone burned the area where the body was found undoubtedly burning away crucial evidence in Jasmine’s case, especially if some expert decided to go back and restart the process.  However, I want to go back and review the information that we actually know.Jasmine went missing on June 4, 2012 at around 2 pm.

Jasmine body was discovered on June 6, 2012 in an advanced stage of decomposition.

The fact that her decomposition was described as advanced after only two days have my brain in knots.   I did some research online and found some information from a forensic research lab called the body farm.  The research facility is geared at creating a body atlas for law enforcement to help them determine the time of death based on decomposition of the body.   See more at http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/chemistry/news-afterlife-human-corpse-stages-decomposition?image=0  (Be warned the graphics are graphic).

Here are some questions I have regarding the investigation.

  1. What hour was Jasmine actually last seen by her parents?  Did mom check to see if she was at home before she left for the day?  Many times parents walk out assuming the child is safely and soundly sleeping.
  2. Did anyone see Jasmine leave home?
  3. Did Jasmine actually leave her home and walk the path described, or was she just supposed to walk that path?
  4. Is it possible she was offered her a ride to her destination and she was picked up at home?
  5. Is it possible she took a different path that day?
  6. Could she have stopped to visit a “friend” along her journey?
  7. Did she ever complain of getting unwanted attention from some adult?
  8. The people who claim to have seen her that day; could they be mistaken with the time of day?
  9. Is it possible she died earlier than stated?
  10. How long was she away from all supervision?
  11. Is it possible that the abductor rode around with her in the trunk while creating an alibi?
  12. Did anyone check her phone records?
  13. Did the police walk the same path she was supposed to take and take note of the regular faces along her path and question all the potential witnesses that would see her take that route the day?
  14. Will the police get any international expert help in this case?

I realize that the police are overwhelmed by the deteriorating crime situation in Belize and they have limited resources.  I also appreciate that we have limited facilities to help aid with this investigation; however, the life of a child is gone. There is a predator out there.  If we create a chart with all the missing young girls and the areas along the western highway where their bodies were dumped, maybe a pattern will start emerging of a possible serial killer who moves with invisible dangerous stealth along the highway looking for a moment to strike at a vulnerable young victim. We need to start asking, who among us can move and pick up young girls without creating an air of suspicion?

Consider this serial killer in Columbia, who after this story was written, was released from prison and remains at large today.  Get an insider view as to how a serial killer hunts their victims:  http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/serial_killers/notorious/pedro_lopez/1.html

Daily Dingleberry 06-11-12 Don’t Hang Capital Punishment On This Little Girl

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While I absolutely understand and appreciate the public’s reaction to the case of Jasmine Lowe, I feel the need to caution those of you hollerin’ about “Hang them!” “Bring back capital punishment” “Flog these monsters in the town square!”.That is an “end to the story” consideration…there is so much we have to do to get there.

The Jasmine Lowe case is about firstly, cultural issues. We have to address the fact that girls are extremely vulnerable in our society because of many issues surrounding how parents talk to their children about predators, sex, violence, self defense. We continuously treat sexual abuse and violence against women and children as taboo and “not my business”. The victims are avoided and shunned while the abusers continue to hold their position in society and walk around free.

Secondly, it is about immigration issues. Our communities have changed dramatically because of the influx of immigrants. Someone pointed out that half of our cab drivers are immigrants. That means that we don’t know our neighbours anymore and as such, there must be other ways to ensure safety.

Which brings me to the third point. We have to stop accepting archaic laws and stop fighting attempts to modernize our laws and policies. I understand that the issue of registering/licensing cabs/drivers was already addressed and that it was met with refusal and outright defiance. The cab drivers cited cost as their main reason.

This brings me to my fourth point: we need to stop being so damned MYOPIC. Yes that was one aspect of changing the law: cost to the cab drivers BUT did you consider that it is a public safety issue? We have to be able to accurately identify “friendlys” from enemies and predators.  And Jasmine’s case clearly points to how children become victims but what about the elderly? tourists? and the cab drivers themselves who are exposed to danger when criminals use them to commit crimes disposing of them when they are finished? If there were better tracking devices/practices we can deter people from victimizing cab drivers themselves and when they do it anyway, we can better pin point who is the responsible criminal.

Along these same lines: why do we always find reasons to NOT do something? When Mary K Cariddi proposed the Jasmine Taxi Law, people attacked it for all kinds of reasons and yes there are valid considerations BUT the underlying message was: “why bother trying? It will never pass.”  Well crap! If you think like this? Sure it wont get passed! Nothing wrong with examining obstacles BUT only if your intent is to find ways around them….That was NOT what I saw happening…What I want us to do from now on is appreciate someone’s good intentions. Stop nit picking things to death and find ways to OVERCOME limitations. Stop being so negative and narrow minded. That is why Belize is stagnating swamp of a place…our goddamned attitude.

So then…here’s the fifth point: Jasmine Lowe’s case is about INVESTIGATIVE PROTOCOL. We can’t talk about bringing back capital punishment when we can’t even collect evidence, determine cause of death, arrest a suspect, prosecute him/her then finally get to the sentencing part???????? HOLY JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH! For me, the salient point to alllllll of this outcry about Jasmine is: We have been sold a bill of goods. We were told that we could hope for justice because we have a police force dedicated to its job of protecting and serving. BUT that just wasn’t true and the friggin powers tht be knew it ALLLLLLLL along. The main character in any investigation into any violent crime is your goddamned medical examiner…and this mudderfucker has been giving us NOTHING for years. You can’t convict anybody without proof people!

I am stunned  that this injustice has been perpetuated for decades…and I will accuse the entire justice system, any and everybody who works in it of being an accomplice. No wonder defense lawyers have such an easy time getting off alllll their friggin clients?! And shame on you for letting it go on….lawyers, police, magistrates…you all knew something was wrong and you didn’t address it…Anyway…now it’s out…and we need him out…so I need your help…You owe us…

Which brings me to my final point: YOU WORK FOR US. ALL OF YOU HAVE A JOB BECAUSE OF ‘WE THE PEOPLE”.

This divide between law enforcement and the public has to be bridged. The public is afraid of you, does not trust you and with good reason. We feel hopeless and frustrated with the dismissive way we are treated by the police. There are many stories of abuse and misconduct. I have been through it myself and it is awful. Even when citizens are trying to do their duty, you make it so difficult. You have taught us not to depend on you and you are cultivating a culture of vigilante justice.

So I hope I have made my point very clear: Jasmine Lowe is NOT about capital punishment….so please stop yellin about it….now is not the time…I know you are angry and feel this is an answer but at this point, it is only detracting from getting real solutions to the real problems…

The Mishandling of Jasmine Lowe’ Investigation Part 2 by: Aria Lightfoot

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Jasmine Lowe

I spoke to my source close to the investigation last night to get a feel of what is happening now. The pathologist (not forensic pathologist) could not determine a cause of death.  Not surprising, he is not an expert in that field of forensics, so I learned last night.  And BTW, Belize law does not require a forensic specialist to examine murdered bodies; only a medical doctor is needed. Meaning, he was never trained to determine cause of death that is not obvious. I feel like my head is spinning. I feel like screaming WTF.  Can this murder even be solved, if they cannot establish a murder even happened? Everything following that evaluation seems to be a big waste of time.

According to my source, the police are looking for blood and fingerprinting evidence in the car they impounded to find clues that may link little Jasmine presence in the taxi.  Sounds good right? WRONG.  Let me remind you that they didn’t take any evidence from Jasmine. No fluids or fingerprinting, no rape kits, nada so making that link would be a feat even gods would find impossible. Not to mention, as Faye stated in her dingle berry,  the investigating officer is making wide assumptions about what happened based on observations he can neither prove nor disprove.

So now they have a “suspect” who may or may not be the murderer. The public fears are somewhat alleviated. Please don’t let your guard down now. At this stage, the public need to be very cautious and aware as to the person the police presents to them.  The police is desperate for a solution making the environment ripe for a scapegoat.  Criminals in Belize laugh at our poor investigative skills.

So we reach the point where we take the defendant to court. Enter the defense attorney.  Remember, a person is innocent until proven otherwise. It is the State’s job to prove him guilty.  The state cannot even establish a murder happened. According to the pathologist, he cannot establish a cause of death.  How do we know how she died? She could have died from a sunstroke! I don’t mean to be facetious but in court, it is not what you know, it is what you can prove.  The most essential part of the case is ruined unless they can determine conclusively that she was in fact murdered.

My Belizeans, it is not only about attending the vigils and crying and complaining. It is about asking the right questions, demanding action and becoming an active and vigilant member of society. Political will comes from the people.  When people are arrested for murders, find out what the pathologist did; what evidence and procedures were followed. Ask the police what protocols they followed. Find out the applicable laws. We cannot allow “professionals” to be beyond reproach anymore, since I recently discovered the man reporting on’ causes of death’ is no professional in forensics. Our children, families, neighbors and fellow citizens’ deaths are turning into sad unresolved statistics.  Your family WILL be next  if this continues unabated.

I make a desperate plea to members of the Belize Bar Association with police background to come on board and help fix our broken system.  I call on all politicians to take off their political hats and put on their Belizean one to solve this crisis. As I write this, two more bodies have been found, possibly the two teenage boys missing. Their cause of death will be obvious, since it appears they were shot. What about little Jasmine?  We still have no idea how she died and what she endured.

We are a part of a greater plan in this world, even if we don’t know our purpose.  It seems that it took the murder of little Jasmine to move us as a nation; she is the sacrificial angel we needed to realize that our antiquated laws do not equip the police and prosecutors to fight these murderers who rein free in Belize. I am mad at everyone, including myself, to be in slumber for so long, but finger pointing causes this. It takes away your personal responsibility and cast it elsewhere.  Please do not lose sight of this movement for Jasmine.

Tonight the nation will mourn collectively as vigils all over the country are taking place. All will begin at  6pm. Everyone is asked to bring a candle and a white T-Shirt to show solidarity. Let the conversations begin there.

San Ignacio/Santa Elena – in front of Police Station

Belmopan – National Assembly

Belize City – Battlefield Park

Punta Gorda- Central Park

Placencia – in front of Police Station

Belize City Will Have A Vigil For Jasmine Lowe

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From the archives of Channel 7 News Belize

 

 

Candle-Light For Jasmine In City As Well
posted (June 8, 2012)

On Saturday night, the Cayo community will have a vigil for Jasmine Lowe – the 12 year old girl who was murdered earlier this week. The disturbing murder has left many Belizeans in shock, and paralyzed by fear. But it has spurred one citizen into action. Dianne Finnegan stopped by our studios today to encourage Belizeans to stand in solidarity and protest against the violence. She told us how you can do your part:Dianne Finnegan 
“When I heard the announcement about the vigil in Cayo, even though the outcry is tremendous nationwide, all of us won’t be able to go to Cayo and so what better way of expressing our solidarity than right where we are at.”

“I am asking that countrywide you go to your nearby park – you choose a place that you would like to hold this vigil. Come out with your candle and t-shirt. This is not just about Jasmine, this is about standing in solidarity and saying we’ve got to do something and I think we’ve been settling for too long.”

“If we don’t do something now I think what we are doing is actually inviting and saying it’s okay we can deal with, it’s going to last just a few days and then we go on as business as usual. No, as a mother, for me the sadness continues – the cry continues that we’ve got to stand in solidarity with parents, with mothers who are out there really feeling this hurt.”

The candlelight ceremony in the Belize district will begin at 7 tomorrow evening at the Battlefield Park to coincide with the simultaneous candlelight vigil in San Ignacio Town.

Daily Dingleberry 06-09-12 Just when Mary K Cariddi Was Talking Me Off The Soapbox, THIS ISH HAPPENS!

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Ok…so Mary K Cariddi or Aunt Kathy to me, sort of “put me to rights” yesterday when I decried the incompetence of our police force. She was quick to point out that there are many good, honest, “want to do the right thing” police officers out there who can’t because they lack training, leadership and proper funding/resources. I agreed because that is true and I wasn’t actually talking about individual police officers. I was talking about the whole system. Ok so we came to that place where we could both see that we were on the same page.

BUT THEN……..

I read the transcript from Channel 7 News and my ire went right back up. Sorry Aunt Kath but I do have to go after an individual police officer and yes I know that he is not all etc……

Reporter
“With respect to speculations; the girl may have been rape. That was also inconclusive as well?”

 

Senior Superintendent Chester Williams
“Yes that was also inconclusive but I doubt pretty much that she was rape because I don’t see a rapist raping a child and then putting back on her clothes so perfectly because her clothes was totally intact. It doesn’t seem to have been tampered with. I am not saying that she was not rape but I doubt she was.”


 

 

HOW CAN HE SAY ANY OF THIS WITHOUT SOLID FUCKIN FORENSIC PROOF????? O wait..WE DON’T HAVE ANY!!!!!!

Look Mistah Senior Superintendent Chestah Williams…I have no doubt that you are sincere and that you mean well but pretty please…don’t speculate. People are very angry and worried and fear for the safety of their children. Don’t come on here with no real evidence and give false hope, ok? And the powers that be, please train these people to know what t say and what not to say?!

Aye Yai Yai…..breathing…..

For full transcript: http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=22649

 

Is Dr. Asphyxia qualified? by: Aria Lightfoot

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Medical Malpractice?

I received information today that is  quite a bit disconcerting.  I was told that our doctor who consistently reaches inconclusive results,   is not an actual forensic pathologist.  He never specialized in the field. I can neither confirm nor deny this information; however, if this information is true…He is operating in a field he has no expertise in whatsoever.  As tax payers I urge that you demand to know if this information is true. What are his credentials?  Is there some great ongoing miscarrying of justice? What happens to all those bodies he has examined in the past?  Who would be liable if such is the case? What is the solution? I demand answers. I demand that the people who should know, provide this information ASAP.  If this information is true…This is shocking, unacceptable and maybe even illegal! Jasmine deserve better.  Belize mainstream media, time to start asking the tough questions!

Mary K Cariddi Pushes For New Law

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Mary K Cariddi, a long time volunteer and activist, is calling all Belizeans to please help her to get a new law passed. Jasmine Lowe, the little girl who was found murdered on Wednesday, was last seen getting into a taxi on Monday afternoon. She was supposed to go to her mother’s salon to get ready for that evening’s Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee.

The fact that there is no uniformity in taxi cabs in Belize made getting an accurate description difficult. Mary wants to ensure that this sort of thing is never an impediment in an investigation ever again. She wants to make sure that we can be assured in knowing that we are dealing with honest, real cab drivers and not predators posing as one. Here is her proposal for Jasmine’s Taxi Law.