Decomposed Body Found in Abandoned Orange Walk House, Identity Unknown

Just after 2 o clock On Christmas Day, authorities in Orange Walk Town responded to the grim discovery of a decomposed body inside an abandoned house along Boundary Road. The scene was processed by police with support from the Scenes of Crime Unit, but due to the advanced state of decomposition identifying the body or determining the cause of death have been unsuccessful. ASP Smith stated that preliminary findings suggest the body may belong to an individual who has been reported missing since late last month. She further advised that DNA testing is being conducted to help to confirm the identity of the deceased.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “Orange Walk Police visited that location where they observed the unresponsive body of a male person which was in an advanced state of decomposition. The scene was processed and the body was later transported to the National Forensic and Science Services Laboratory where a post-mortem examination will be conducted with a view to establishing the cause of death and where DNA samples will be extracted to confirm the identity of the individual. The decomposed body is suspected to be that of a 35 year old male person from Southern Belize who was last seen by relatives on 25th November. At that time he was believed to have been undergoing some mental health crisis.”

Based on initial findings, ASP Smith says there are no indications of foul play; however, a post-mortem examination will provide more definitive information regarding the circumstances of the death. Authorities are appealing to members of the public who may have information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.