Canadian Armed Forces veteran charged with murder in connection to mass shooting in Belize
A Canadian Armed Forces veteran who called New Lowell home has been charged with murder in the country of Belize.
According to police in Belize, J.R. Smith was behind the wheel of a getaway car used moments after a mass shooting at a nightclub on July 31 that left 2 dead and 8 others injured.
Smith, a retired soldier with the Canadian Armed Forces, who served in Afghanistan 15 years ago, took up woodworking at Georgian College before starting his own business, Frontline Cabinetry.
CTV News featured Smith 5 years ago ahead of Remembrance Day, as he partnered with Canadian Forces Base Borden helping retiring veterans transition to civilian life through work in skilled trades.
Smith moved to Belize about six months ago.
Belize Police describe the shooting as one of the worst in the country’s history.
Investigators believe it all started when three of Smith’s friends got into an argument with a man over a young woman in the club. According to media outlets in Belize, the three men left the club. They then returned with guns, allegedly killing the man before opening fire on several others at the club, wounding at least two police officers.
Smith was initially charged with abetment to commit murder, but the charge was upgraded to murder.
Smith is originally from Newfoundland and was based at CFB Petawawa for years. He moved to Belize after he became disillusioned with the Canadian government lockdowns, which forced him to close his business.
His partner Denise Hepburn, who spoke with CTV News Tuesday, said Smith is 100% innocent and is the victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She added that the black eye he received was from police after a plastic bag was placed over his head and he was beaten repeatedly and tortured.
Smith and his co-accused remain in custody and are back in court in early November.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.