Man charged with murder in shooting death of Canadian in Belize: police

COROZAL, Belize – Police in Belize say they have charged a 52-year-old man with murder in the shooting death of a Canadian man last week.

Spokesman Raphael Martinez says officers arrested Apolonio Kiou of Corozal on Monday night in the death of Gabriel Bochnia.

Police say Bochnia, 38, was shot in the abdomen as he, his wife and three children were returning home last Wednesday night.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Martinez says a man came out of nearby bushes with a rag over his face and shot Bochnia as he got out of his car to open the gate to his home.

WATCH: Belize police say discovery of Markham woman and her American boyfriend being treated as homicide investigation

1:43 Belize police say discovery of Markham woman and her American boyfriend being treated as homicide investigation

Bochnia’s wife and children were not hurt physically in the incident.

In a separate case, Canadian Francesca Matus was killed in the same area of Belize in the spring, but police have no suspects in that matter.