It is unfortunate to report that just before midday September 25, 2014, 20-year-old Special Constable (SC) Danny Conorquie, assigned to the Tourism Police Unit was shot and killed in the line of duty at the Caracol Archaeological Site in the Cayo District.
The Press Office of the Government of Belize sent out an initial report stating that SC Conorquie was approached two men of Hispanic descent (believed to be Guatemalans) who were on horseback. The two men opened fire, mortally wounding SC Conorquie and then fled the scene, retreating into the dense cover of the jungle. SC Conorquie was rushed to the San Ignacio Town hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
This incident occurred in the general vicinity of the main temple in plain view of several tourists and tour operators. Security forces were deployed to secure the scene and tourists were safely transported out of the area by the Belize Tourism Board. Reports indicate that there were about 15 tourists and 5 tour guides on site at the time of the incident.
The government statement announced that additional security personnel has been deployed to the Caracol Archaeological Site to ensure the safety of the hundreds of visitors who frequent the site and that the matter is still under investigation by the relevant authorities; every effort is being made to bring those responsible to justice.
In the release, the Government of Belize expresses its deepest condolences to the family of Special Constable Danny Conorquie who died while serving his country. Updates will be provided as information is forthcoming.
