Driver charged with manslaughter in Biscayne crash that killed father and son

Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2025. 5:15 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 39-year-old truck driver from Double Head Cabbage is out on bail after being charged in connection with a fatal traffic accident that claimed the lives of a father and son on the Philip Goldson Highway earlier this week.

Melvin Ashburn Harris appeared before Magistrate Ludlow Black on Thursday morning, where he was arraigned on five traffic-related offenses, including two counts of manslaughter by negligence, two counts of causing death by careless conduct, and one count of driving without due care and attention.

The charges stem from a deadly collision that occurred on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, between Miles 28 and 29 near Biscayne Village. Killed in the crash were Josue Solis and his 18-year-old son Felipe Solis, both residents of Biscayne. The incident took place just three days before Harris’ 40th birthday.

According to police, around 6:30 p.m., Harris was driving a white Hino goods truck northbound when he swerved to avoid potholes. In doing so, he entered the opposite lane and collided with a red ATK Power motorcycle carrying the Solis duo. The impact caused both riders to be flung from the bike, suffering severe head and body injuries. Josue was pronounced dead at 11:15 p.m., and Felipe just two minutes later at 11:17 p.m.

During the court proceedings, Magistrate Black explained that no plea would be taken due to the indictable nature of the charges. Harris, represented by attorneys Leerpy Banner and Richard “Dickie” Bradley, was granted bail of $5,000 with two sureties of $2,500 each.

As part of his bail conditions, Harris is prohibited from contacting any members of the victims’ family and must remain at least 100 feet away from them.

Harris is scheduled to return to court on September 11, 2025.

 

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The post Driver charged with manslaughter in Biscayne crash that killed father and son appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2025. 5:15 pm CST. By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 39-year-old truck driver from Double Head Cabbage is out on bail after
The post Driver charged with manslaughter in Biscayne crash that killed father and son appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.