Today, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams informed reporters that the bodies of the three women showed no signs of foul play. He emphasized that the evidence gathered heavily relies on the pathologists’ input. Although gummies were found at the scene, Williams clarified that this doesn’t necessarily link them to the women’s deaths. The autopsy reports will be crucial in determining what the women consumed and what was in their stomachs. The gummy bears, not made in Belize, could have been brought in by the women or someone else. Forensic experts suggest the women could have been dead for up to twenty hours before being discovered. According to Williams, the women were supposed to leave Belize on Sunday, just a day after they were found dead.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“The bodies exhibited no signs of injuries. Police also saw inside the room what appeared to be vomit beside each female. They policed with a view to ensure that the scene was properly processed. I waited for the Scenes of Crime personnel to arrive as well as the pathologists. This is one of the cases where we invited the pathologists to come on the scene as well so that they could assist the police in navigating the scene with a view to see what can be found of evidential value. That was done. The police did a thorough search of the scene, along with the pathologists and Scenes of Crime and there was nothing of substance that could have been found, other than alcohol and some gummies. You may recall, a couple years ago, we had some gummies that were disposed of from the police exhibit room and they were found by somebody at the dumpsite and sold. And then we saw where some people who consume those gummies had to be rushed to the hospital. So we found some of those gummies inside the room. Now, we’re not saying at this time that the gummies caused the deaths, but we’re looking at every possibility. I know that today the postmortem examination is going to be conducted by the National Forensic Services, and we are anxiously awaiting that result to see if they will be able to unearth anything to assist us in determining the cause of death. There is also a theory that they could have died from carbon monoxide. And so, again, a test will be done, hopefully today or tomorrow, with the National Fire Service who have the equipment to test the level of carbon monoxide in a building. The police have also viewed this surveillance footage from the hotel that they were staying. And this surveillance footage showed that they went to the hotel room Thursday evening and they were not seen leaving that room again and nobody was seen going into the room. On Friday, the housekeeping department went to the room to do the usual housekeeping, but when they knocked on the door, no one answered and so they just left. And I think that is the norm because you know, they do have some guests who do not want their room to be cleaned. So they would not respond when housekeeping would go to check. And the following day, which was Saturday, the housekeeping department went again, to do housekeeping. They knocked on the door and got no response, and they became suspicious. So based on that, they reported the matter to management, and management got a master key to the room, opened the room, and that’s when they found the three females inside the room, motionless, and then the police were called. So, we’re trying to do as best as we can, including to see where they may have gone on Thursday before they went home, what, if anything, they consumed.”
Police are investigating the murder of American real estate developer Boris Alexander Mannsfeld. On the night of February twenty-first, around nine p.m., Mannsfeld was found dead at his luxury home, Cocoplum Villas in Maya Beach, with a gunshot wound to the neck. Nearby, police found a spent shell casing, his wallet with cash, and his loaded firearm still in its holster. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the full report.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
According to his website, fifty-six-year-old Boris Mannsfeld fell in love with Placencia during his first visit in 1992 and officially moved to the peninsula in 2006. Over the years, he invested heavily and became one of Belize’s top real estate developers. Tragically, his journey came to a sudden end when he was found dead at Cocoplum Villas in Maya Beach, one of his projects. Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that they are investigating Mannsfeld’s death as a murder.
Chester Williams
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“He came into the country that same day, as you would know that he has been in and out of the country following the death of Borja. And he was in his yard. When seemingly he was approached by whoever the gunman or gunmen are and he was shot once to the head behind the neck. He succumbed to his injuries. At this time, we don’t know much. Investigators are still busy trying to investigate around Mr. Mannsfeld.”
In 2023, Belize City businessman Ricardo Borja, a close associate of Mannsfeld, was shot dead outside his apartment. Then, in 2024, businessman Darren Taylor was killed at his home in Dangriga. Both men were involved in investigations into fraudulent land deals at the time of their deaths. Police Commissioner Chester Williams has revealed that authorities are looking into a possible link between these murders.
Chester Williams
“We have one person in custody who is of interest to us. And so we’re also investigating around that individual. We’re also looking at the business transactions that Mr. Mannsfeld may have with other individuals without being able to see if we will be able to close in on a possible motive and perhaps suspect. So at this time we don’t have much where that is concerned. A t this time, cannot say that but we’re not ruling it out. We have to first establish a motive in order first to be able to make a definitive connection but it will not be wrong for one to assume that there may be some connection there. And we’re looking at that possibility.”
Mannsfeld had just returned to Belize the day before, and police believe the killer ambushed him at his Cocoplum Villas residence. He was found dead on the steps of a building at the back of the property. Although the villas have security staff, the back entrance is open to the public beach, which is likely where the shooter entered. Reports indicate that Mannsfeld had up to eleven civil-court claims against him for alleged shady business practices.
Chester Williams
“We have seen the discourse on social media where it is said that, um, there are several claims before the court. So again, investigators have communicated with Mr. Mansfield attorney and today they’re going to the court to see what are those claims, um, that existed before the court and when those claims We’re going to be heard and against whom so those again a part of things that investigators will be looking at as a part of the investigation”
Frik de Meyere
Police have detained businessman Frik de Meyere for questioning. He was also questioned back in 2023 after the death of Ricardo Borja.
Chester Williams
“Yes, He’s a suspect. And again, let me make it clear that Frik, or whatever his name is, It’s the person of interest who is in police custody at this time. And let me make it clear that he, he is just a suspect, in this matter. I don’t want no lawsuit to come, so I’m making it clear that he’s just a suspect. The police are interviewing him to see if there’s anything that he would be able to assist the investigation with as it relates to this matter.”
Before his death, Mannsfeld sent emails to his clients, revealing that he had securely stored crucial evidence about a land fraud scheme. He shared this information with trusted individuals, instructing them to release all files—names, bank details, receipts, messages, and passwords—to major news outlets and US lawmakers if anything happened to him. Britney Gordon for News 5 Live.
Police are investigating the murder of American real estate developer Boris Alexander Mannsfeld. On the night of February twenty-first, around nine p.m., Mannsfeld was found dead at his luxury home, Cocoplum Villas in Maya Beach, with a gunshot wound to the neck. Nearby, police found a spent shell casing, his wallet with cash, and his loaded firearm still in its holster. Here’s News Five’s Britney Gordon with the full report.
Andrew Bennett
Andrew Bennett, Attorney-at-law
“In my experience, whenever you’re dealing with a firearm and you want that firearm to be, I was examined by the Forensics Department. What normally happens is that firearm is secured in an evidence gun box. It is sealed, and the owner of the firearm would sign on those on the tip, which is a seal for the box. When I questioned the police about whether that was done it wasn’t as well as in terms of personal property. If the police take custody of your personal property, I know that normally they would issue a receipt. It’s called a triplicate receipt. None was issued to my client. So I was, and I remain very apprehensive and very weary in terms of how that whole process was dealt with, especially because it was done by a, I would consider Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Jaime Gonzalez, to be a very senior officer and would have known what the procedure is, but unfortunately, that is the case.”
Isani Cayetano
“Is there anything else involving your client on this particular matter that I may be overlooking that you care to announce?”
Andrew Bennett
“That my client is innocent? Other than that, my client remains he is very cooperative with the police. He has attended an interview. I must say that the interview has been very I would say professional. My client is not being mistreated in any way, but that does not mean that he waives any right to bring an action against the police for false imprisonment because we are of the view that he was detained unlawfully and that there was no probable cause to hold him in detention for forty-eight-hours.”
On Saturday, Hattieville resident Tyrel Thomas was tragically shot and killed by three men who reportedly mistook him for someone else. Thomas was installing surveillance equipment at a home in another part of the village when he was ambushed. Known for his dedication to community service, the electrician and former village councilor was also working on refurbishing a local park. Here’s News Five’s Isani Cayetano with the story.
Tyrel Thomas
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
A well-known and beloved Hattieville resident, licensed electrician Tyrel Thomas, also known as Tyrel Requena, was tragically gunned down on Saturday afternoon. He was installing a camera system in the Windmill area of the village when the deadly shooting occurred. Thomas was on the job with his goddaughter when they came under fire.
Tyra Thomas
Tyra Thomas, Sister of Deceased
“All I can say, that was definitely mistaken identity. He went to install a camera at this house and that was it. He went to do what he loved to do. He went to do his work, you know. He was definitely not the intended target.”
Thomas was on a ladder outside the bungalow when three men reportedly appeared from a nearby overgrown area. They approached the property and unleashed a hail of bullets in his direction. The spot where he stood on the ladder is now marked with bullet holes.
“We have several persons in custody and no one has been charged at this time.”
Reporter
“Is he collateral damage in a gang war and was the target someone else?”
Hilberto Romero
“Yes. We have information that the intended target was someone else. There were three persons there and two of them got shot.”
Tyra Thomas was at a store in Hattieville when she received the news about the deadly attack on her brother.
Tyra Thomas
“I was in J Mall and one of my uncles stopped me and he asked me if da true Tyrel get shot. And I da like no.”
Unbeknownst to Tyra, her sibling and his goddaughter had already been rushed to the KHMH.
Tyra Thomas
“It still feels surreal. I went to sleep last night and I got up believing that it was a dream. So honestly, it feels surreal. We have honestly not come to the terms of it. He’s a licensed electrician, he worked at BATSUB for twenty-five years. As a matter of fact, he had recently received his award of service, a big accomplishment for him. That was literally him. Tyrel would you have any kind of electrical job, everybody knows Tyrel will be willing to assist.”
Could Thomas’ death be a gang-related attack targeting the person who hired him to install the surveillance equipment?
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Yes, we have some information that it’s related to that, yes.”
Reporter
“Do you know the motive for why they were after that other guy?”
Hilberto Romero
“The same rivalry between the two groups in Belize City.”
These two groups have been clashing for a while, but the violence has surged since Brandon Baptist’s death a few weeks ago. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Returning to our Nomination Day coverage, we head west to the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, as well as Benque Viejo del Carmen. These towns are divided into four constituencies. Both the People’s United Party and the United Democratic Party have candidates running in each constituency. Additionally, there are third-party and independent candidates in most areas. News Five’s Paul Lopez has the details.
Paul Lopez, Reporting
At ten a.m. this morning In Cayo North, People’s United Party Candidate, Michel “Micho” Chebat showed up to be nominated inside the San Ignacio Magistrates Court which much fanfare. He was backed by a large following of supporters and a live performance by Supa G.
Michel “Micho” Chebat
Michel “Micho” Chebat, P.U.P Candidate, Cayo North
“This is a confirmation of the work we have been doing and an appreciation of the people of Cayo North. They have seen the work we have done over the last few years. And they are out here in number to express that support. And so we are humbled and grateful to them.”
Paul Lopez
“I see you moving around greeting people, let us talk about what people are saying to you right now.”
Michel “Micho” Chebat
“We have done a lot, but there is so much more to be done. We have given out over four hundred and fifty lots here in Cayo North. There are many people out here who still want lots. So the work continues. We have given out about twenty starter homes. But, more people want homes. You know, when somebody gets a home you are giving them a shelter. It is not just a home , you are empowering them. So we hope that in this second term we can give more homes to people. I can tell you and I don’t want to preempt our prime minister, but one of the things coming for us is that Sacred Heart College, High School will be absolutely free coming September.”
Roody Wade
At midday, third party candidates showed up at the various nomination stations to declare their candidacy. The Belize Justice Movement is fielding two candidates in the Cayo constituencies. They are the party’s leader, Roody Wade who is contesting the Cayo Central division and Leroy Lisbey who is running in the Cayo North division. They arrived at the nomination station with only a handful of supporters, mainly nominators.
At two p.m., the United Democratic Party candidates took to the streets of the Twin Town. In Santa Elena Town, Mark Obrien is contesting the Cayo Central seat.
In Cayo North, Omar Figueroa is seeking to regain his title as the U.D.P Area Representative. He suffered defeat in 2020 at the hands of Chebat, but says things are different this time around. He arrived at the nomination station with a gathering of energized supporters. Reporting For News Five, I am Paul Lopez
At midday, Tracy Taegar-Panton and her team for the 2025 general elections paraded through the streets of Belize City, heading to the Civic Center for their nomination. Surrounded by a lively and enthusiastic crowd, Taegar-Panton remarked that this turnout was just a preview of the support she expects on Election Day. We caught up with her before she entered the Civic Center to see how prepared she was to sign her name on the nomination sheet.
Tracy Taegar-Panton
Tracy Taegar-Panton, Standard Bearer, Albert
“Well I’m very encouraged, very excited. We’re grateful. That we have gotten to nomination day in one piece. I’m looking forward to contest the next general elections.”
Britney Gordon
“And do you think that this crowd today is a good reflection of the support that you have been able to garner for your party?”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“Absolutely. Absolutely. I wish you know nomination day was on a weekend when we can have more supporters out. But I think this is a good subset of the people who will be coming to support us on election day.”
Reporter
“The decision to come during the lunch hour. Can you speak about decision to come during the lunch hour?”
Britney Gordon
“Yes, does this technically, mean you are approaching as an independent candidate as this time is reserved for independents?”
Tracy Teagar-Panton
“Absolutely not. Absolutely not. We are members of the United Democratic Party and we’re here to be nominated as members of the UDP.”
Britney Gordon
“What do you think is motivating your supporters to bring you back into the Albert area?”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“The love. It’s all about the love. I have stuck with them and they have stuck with me. The good times, the bad times, the highs and the lows. We do it together. I embrace them and they embrace me and I feel a lot of love today.”
Britney Gordon
“Are you fearful of any possible conflict that might happen with the remaining PUP supporters out here?”
Tracy Taegar-Panton
“Absolutely not. We are Belizean. We are all Belizean and we have a right to support the political party of our choice. The United Democratic Party is alive and well, and we’re ready to successfully contest the next general .”
As mentioned, Moses “Shyne” Barrow and his U.D.P. team are backing Elvia Vega, an independent candidate and former P.U.P. Area Representative, in Corozal Bay. This is likely the first time a U.D.P. leader has supported a former P.U.P. candidate over one of their own. The reason? Barrow’s original candidate for Corozal Bay switched sides to join Panton’s team. Barrow believes it’s better for Vega to win the seat.
Mose “Shyne” Barrow
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, U.D.P. Leader
“In this regime, this authoritarian regime, where is see that former minister honorable Eliva Vega has now decided to run independent and abandon the PUP. They repossessed her vehicle right away. That is prime minister petty. We believe that it is better for Elvia Vega to win that seat than Thea Garcia. Because we care about the Belizean people. We will not just put somebody there because as you know the gentle man we had their betrayed his party, betrayed his oath and defected to a third party. He has no chances of winning based on his actions. So, rather than complicate things in that constituency we would hope that Elvia Vega would hold on to her seat, because anything is better than the PUP getting Corozal Bay.”
At his event on Saturday, Barrow didn’t hold back, taking aim at Tracy Panton and her fifteen candidates. He argued that if they can’t follow the UDP constitution, how can Belizeans trust them to follow the country’s Constitution? Barrow went as far as to call them frauds, claiming they dislike him because he’s not your typical politician.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, U.D.P. Leader
“That is why they don’t like me, because I am not a traditional politician. I don’t have to sing for my supper. The independent party weh the fraud everybody out here. They don’t have anything to offer other than they want to get rid of me. Imagine somebody wants you to vote for them so that they can stay in opposition. Not that you could get rid of the real cancer which is John Briceno and the PUP. But they don’t like me because I don’t come to thief and if I nuh come fih thief they cant thief eena my Cabinet and the same way I took on gentlemen that were politicians for thirty years, five years area reps that thought they were entitled to do as they please and not follow the constitution of the UDP, because id they don’t follow the UDP constitution they wont follow the Belizean constitution. So, we need to stop that now.”
In Belmopan and Cayo South, the political scene was as heated as the scorching midday sun. The three candidates—Oscar Mira for the P.U.P., John Saldivar under Tracy Panton’s leadership, and Ralston Frazer under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership—each brought their unique flair to the campaign trail today. Over in Cayo South, the current representative, Julius Espat, drew a huge crowd at his rally after his nomination, while the events for the two U.D.P. candidates were more low-key. News Five’s Marion Ali was on the ground in Belmopan and Cayo South to bring us this report.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Right at ten a.m., a lively parade kicked off with drumming and a huge banner of Oscar Mira on a trailer truck, leading about a hundred enthusiastic supporters to the Belmopan Civic Centre. Mira, the current representative, told reporters he’s eager for a second term to keep building on the work he’s started in the nation’s capital.
Oscar Mira
Oscar Mira, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Belmopan
“We have livened up Belmopan but there is a lot of work to be done, a lot of infrastructure work. Belmopan is growing so fast. It’s the fastest growing municipality in Belize. It is growing so fast that we need to keep up with the infrastructure work. We have done a lot of infrastructure work. There’s more to be done. There’s a lot more to be done. We have worked extremely hard in ensuring that our young people get an opportunity to education. “Compre” now is free. You can go to Belmopan Comprehensive School and get a free education. You’ll get assistance in food. You’ll get assistance in uniform. When it comes to health, the government has worked really hard to ensure that our people get the opportunity of getting health care and N.H.I. is rolling out to the Cayo district and very, very shortly, we have plans of building the new tertiary level hospital in Belmopan. There’s so much things going on.”
Veteran politician John Saldivar, running for the U.D.P. under Tracy Panton’s leadership, led a spirited motorcade to his nomination. He shared that his time away from the spotlight has allowed him to recharge, and now he’s ready to tackle the community’s demands for improved infrastructure, housing, and goods.
John Saldivar
John Saldivar, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Belmopan
“The rapid deterioration of our infrastructure, our road network, and land issues have become a serious issue, and people’s land have been taken away from them. The pantry program has been ripped up away from the poor and the elderly of this city. And people are going to rebel against that when election day comes.”
Ralston Frazer is the U.D.P.’s pick Belmopan under Barrow. He did not lead a parade nor a motorcade, but he said the momentum in his camp has given him the fire he believes he needs to cause an upset.
Ralston Frazer
Ralston Frazer, U.D.P. Standard Bearer
“Ninety-five percent of the homes that I stop in I am the one doing the listening. People are telling me what is wrong, what is not right, how things are not going the way they’re supposed to be going and which one of our candidates are not doing what they’re supposed to be doing and all these other things and I end up listening to their complaint. This is telling me of the frustration of our people, particularly here in Belmopan, I know this is national, but particularly here in Belmopan, that response tells me that the people are tired.”
Marion Ali
“What are they tired of?”
Ralston Frazer
“Let’s get to that. One of the thing is people are finding it difficult. This is a national issue, but again, it affects Belmopan. People are finding it extremely challenging to put food on their table. And we know why this is because the national government has the responsibility to make life a little bit easier for children. You would have heard our party leader said in our newly-launched Manifesto, where the fuel price is concerned. Now, measures like that will allow for prices to go down.”
The police maintained order all day, with no incidents to report. Over in Cayo South, the current representative, P.U.P.’s Julius Espat, led a huge rally after his nomination this morning. He shared that he believes the residents are pleased with their work since 2020.
Julius Espat
Julius Espat, P.U.P. Standard Bearer, Cayo South
“Everybody is happy, they’re energized and willing to wait for the 12th of March.”
Marion Ali
“What are the issues as you go from house to house and you meet with the supporters? What are they telling you that they need more of, or that they want to change?”
Julius Espat
“They don’t want any change. They just need more of what we’re doing. Land is an issue always. Cayo South has a lot of people that don’t have title for properties. And so we are working along with the Ministry of Natural Resources a little at a time to make sure that they get the title for their land because as you’re aware, if you build on something that’s not yours, it’s not a good investment. And so we are making sure that we are giving them back the power so that they can have property, title. And so that’s one of the main movements. We’ve been working a lot with infrastructure, every sector. We have a community development fund that was provided to us by the government and we have been using it. If you notice, the nomination was in the refurbished community center and we have been doing community centers in all the villages. We have a program with education where everybody here that has applied for some assistance in education has received from primary school, high school, sixth form, and even universities. Some have gone abroad, studying to be architects, doctors. So we’ve been working hard to really raise the quality of life in Cayo South.”
However, the two U.D.P. candidates disagree with Espat’s positive self-assessment. Dr. June Young, running under Tracy Panton’s leadership, believes there’s much room for improvement.
June Young
Dr. June Young, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Cayo South
“Across the thirteen villages in Cayo South, some of the challenges and the needs of people are the same. We have some communities where people are clamoring for light, for water, for land to have access to their homes in some areas way to the back of the villages. They do not have access where vehicles can take them to their home. So they need to walk for some miles to get to their homes. So those are the issues. Also, we know the issue of crime. The other day we had, uh, Mr. Samayoa who was shot in Arizona. So campaigning in that community. The villagers were telling me, you know, Dr. Young, we need a substation here in our village. We need a little polyclinic and if possible, a multi-grade school so that our students, our children do not have to walk that far to go to school. So the needs are great.”
Antonio Samayoa, running under Moses “Shyne” Barrow’s leadership, believes he’s the best candidate for the job and is confident he can deliver if elected on March twelfth.
Antonio Samayoa
Antonio Samayoa, U.D.P. Standard Bearer, Cayo South
“ We need some change. And what inspired me to do this is that I am ready for it, and I am ready for the people of Cayo South. And we, together, this is not just about me. This is about the people. I know there are two strong opponents, but my view is that I will get in there and fight for my people. I’m not scared of Julius and my other colleague. This is not about creating divisions. This is for us, for all to be together, but it’s the people’s decision.”
The United Democratic Party (UDP), led by Moses “Shyne” Barrow, has thrown their support behind Elvia Vega, an independent candidate and former People’s United Party (PUP) Area Representative for Corozal Bay. Barrow’s move makes it the first time a UDP leader has endorsed a former PUP candidate.
Earlier today, Barrow told News 5 that he’s confident that Vega has a better chance of securing the seat. “We believe that it is better for Elvia Vega to win that seat than Thea Garcia,” Barrow stated.
Barrow went on to criticise the former UDP candidate, Hernan Riverol, who is now running under the leadership of Tracy Teager-Panton’s UDP. “We will not just put somebody there because, as you know, the gentleman we had there betrayed his party, betrayed his oath, and defected to a third party,” Barrow said, referring to Riverol’s defection.
Barrow added that Riverol “has no chances of winning” and that the decision to endorse Vega comes so as to not “complicate things in that constituency.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister John Briceño expressed disappointment over Vega’s decision to run independently. “She knows she can’t win… If she is a good PUP as she claims to be, then she and her supporters will support the candidate of the PUP. That’s the oath that she took,” Briceño told News 5.
Despite the endorsement and growing tension, PUP’s Standard Bearer for the constituency, Thea Garcia Ramirez, remains confident in her campaign. When asked if Vega’s candidacy could impact the race, Garcia Ramirez stated firmly that it does not affect her campaign “at all.”
