Chief Magistrate questions detentions after teen accused of attempted murder brought to court under State of Emergency
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Questions are now being raised in court over how police are executing detentions under the current State of Emergency after a teenager charged jointly in an attempted murder case was detained under the SOE and brought before the court on Wednesday afternoon. The 17-year-old, who turned 18 just seven days […] The post Chief Magistrate questions detentions after teen accused of attempted murder brought to court under State of Emergency appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Black News 
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Questions are now being raised in court over how police are executing detentions under the current State of Emergency after a teenager charged jointly in an attempted murder case was detained under the SOE and brought before the court on Wednesday afternoon.
The 17-year-old, who turned 18 just seven days ago on May 5, was escorted to the Belize City Magistrate’s Court on Coney Drive shortly after 3:00 p.m. by GSU personnel while already being detained under the ongoing State of Emergency declared earlier this week.
The teen is jointly charged with 25-year-old Tafaree Sanchez for the attempted murder of Jahreem Staine, also known as “32,” in connection with a September 27, 2025 shooting incident on the Philip Goldson Highway near Horizon Academy.
During proceedings in Court #1, the Chief Magistrate questioned the authority under which persons are being detained under the SOE without first being properly brought before the court for an initial appearance before being remanded.
The court also raised concerns about procedural issues involving detainees already before the court system, noting that there was no removal warrant in the file for the minor’s transfer ahead of his next court appearance.
The Chief Magistrate emphasized that every removal requires a proper removal warrant and also highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of juveniles within the justice system.
The minor appeared in court without his co-accused Sanchez, who was reportedly already transported to prison earlier under the SOE. During Wednesday’s hearing, the teen was provided with 27 pages of partial disclosure in the attempted murder matter.
The case was adjourned to July 28, 2026, when the remainder of the disclosure is expected to be served. Sanchez is also expected to receive his disclosure at that time.
While waiting for the matter to be called up, the court allowed the teen to contact his mother so she could attend the hearing, as she was reportedly unaware her son had been returned to court.
Outside the courtroom, the teen’s mother told reporters that her son had attended court earlier Wednesday morning for his scheduled hearing and was detained by police immediately after leaving the courtroom.
According to the mother, officers informed her that her son was being detained pending investigation for alleged gang affiliation. She later learned he was being held under the State of Emergency.
The current SOE was declared on Monday, May 11, 2026, for Belize City, Ladyville and Hattieville amid escalating crime concerns. Authorities initially confirmed that nine persons of interest had been detained, though that number has reportedly since increased.
The attempted murder case stems from a brazen daylight shooting around 3:00 p.m. on September 27, 2025, during which more than 28 expended shells were reportedly recovered by police near Horizon Academy. Although Staine was the alleged target, he was not injured in the attack.
Both the minor and Sanchez were initially remanded after being arraigned in October 2025 but later secured bail before being detained again under the SOE.
The post Chief Magistrate questions detentions after teen accused of attempted murder brought to court under State of Emergency appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
