Belize: Four Brothers attacked by gangs at Sea; only three come out alive

Recent occurrence in Belize is nothing less than a movie plot. In San Pedro on Saturday, four brothers were ambushed at sea while diving for conch, the eldest and youngest pursued by the attacker’s boat, forcing them to leave the middle brothers to fend for themselves in open water.

Separated, they fought for their lives, but 25-year-old Jerry Espat could do nothing as gunshots punctured his body, leaving him dead in the water.

The other three lived to tell the story – one that will forever haunt them as fishermen now afraid of the deadly seas. But what could have triggered such a mercenary and ruthless attack? Well, they think it’s a part of the gang war – a battle they have tried their best to stay out of as they watched many other relatives die. And now, the deaths have reached their front door.

Many from the Espat family have died in violent incidents on the island. Rolando Espat Sr, who is this victim’s uncle, has lost four sons: Charlie, who was found in a shallow grave in Orange Walk with his cousin, Daniel Alamilla; Byron Espat, who was stabbed to death inside a club; Rolando Espat Jr, who was fatally shot close to his home; and little Daniel Espat, a 2-year-old killed while sleeping.

Rolando Sr’s brother-in-law, Edwardo Gutierrez was also a victim of this gang war, and he was a victim in a triple homicide.