Man remanded after being caught riding recently murdered Shatta P’s cycle; ‘Da nuh like da me stole it, da just handling stolen goods’

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A Ladyville resident has been remanded to the Belize Central Prison after he was allegedly caught riding a motorcycle stolen from the home of murder victim Shane Vargas, also known as “Shatta P.”

Frank Young, 29, a construction worker of the Japan area of Ladyville, appeared before the Chief Magistrate in Court #1 on Monday afternoon, where he was arraigned on a charge of handling stolen goods.

The allegation is that on July 4, 2026, Young was found in possession of a red Lifan motorcycle valued at $2,800, the property of Vargas’ sister.

According to the report, Vargas’ sister told police that after her brother was murdered on July 3, she secured his home around 12:30 a.m. She said she saw the brand-new motorcycle, still with plastic covering, inside the house and later ensured the property was properly locked. She said she had been appointed next of kin and had not given anyone permission to enter the house.

On July 5, Vargas’ sister reportedly received a call from a neighbour who claimed that Young had been seen riding Vargas’ motorcycle. When she went to the house, she discovered a hole in the building, items disturbed inside, and the motorcycle missing.

Police were contacted, and moments later, Vargas’ allegedly saw Young entering the yard on the same motorcycle. She confronted him and took the motorcycle from him before police detained him.

Police say the woman later positively identified the motorcycle at the Ladyville Police Station, and a receipt she produced matched the serial number on the bike.

In court, Young initially pleaded guilty, telling the Chief Magistrate, “Dah nuh like dah me stole it, dah just handling stolen goods.” He explained that he had just gotten a job and had a daughter to care for, adding that he did not want to go back to jail.

The Chief Magistrate informed him that a guilty plea would not result in a fine and that jail time would be imposed. Young then changed his plea to not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate denied him bail, noting that he could also be charged with burglary. Young maintained his not guilty plea and told the court that Vargas was “like a father” to him and that he lived in the same yard.

Young was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until October 6, 2026, which will also be his 30th birthday.

Vargas, 44, was fatally shot on Friday night, July 3, while inside his shop in the Japan area of Ladyville. Police have said that unknown male persons approached and fired shots in his direction. Police have not yet established a motive, but three persons were detained following the recovery of an unlicensed 9mm pistol as part of the murder investigation.

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