Belizean teenager charged with murder of journalist

Belmopan, Belize (CMC) — A 17-year-old teenager has been charged with the murder of journalist Kareem Clarke, who was gunned down as he rode his bicycle on a street here on July 6.

The youth, who cannot be identified, was formally arraigned for murder at the Belize Family Court after he was arrested on Monday. Police said he is well known to them.

Clarke, 27, who worked for the Amandala newspaper, was killed by the gunman who fired several shots at him as he headed home early in the morning on July 6th.

Police said the 27-year-old man received gunshot wounds to his abdomen and chest and was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Clarke’s mother, Julia Clarke said her son had now become a victim of the very gun violence he reported on frequently.