Family Still Reeling from Death of Mentally Disabled Loved One  

On Wednesday, we reported on the tragic discovery of Wilmer Che, whose lifeless body was found at the Red Bank dumpsite in the Stann Creek District. The twenty-five-year-old was found shirtless, bearing multiple cut wounds, in what police suspect to be a murder. Today, News Five’s Britney Gordon traveled south to speak with Che’s family, uncovering the profound impact this unexpected loss has had on their lives. Here’s her story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

It’s been two days since the devastating news of Wilmer Che’s murder reached his family. The twenty-five-year-old was found at the Red Bank dumpsite, discarded among the trash. His sister, Irma Che, remains in shock, struggling to comprehend how anyone could commit such a heinous act against her brother.

 

Irma Che, Sister of Deceased

“I mi just come in from work and I finished cook. Then I receive a call from the police  saying that they need for his birth paper and social security.  But I told the police that he lost it when he used to work.  So then the police told me that he have a bad news for me. So,  then I ask the police what is the bad news is. Then he tell me that. Miss Irma Che, your brother dead. Then I ask him how, why?  And then he told me that  they just killed your brother. I said what? I’m in shock because  why didn’t have to do that to my brother?”

 

Over the past five years, Wilmer battled a mental disability that gradually worsened. Watching his mental state decline and seeing him become increasingly isolated from society has been incredibly challenging for his family.

 

Irma Che

“ I know my brother before he used to work and so but  I just don’t know what happened to my brother. Who bad minded my brother like that? Why didn’t do he bad? And then from when he started to get like that, like he don’t sleep home. He goes sleep by the creek side. He goes sleep in the bush.  My mom tried her best to help him five years. No, he’s like that. Sometimes we ask for help. Like, you know, sometimes like people just want to ignore you.”

 

Wilmer often wandered and found refuge in odd places. Despite the immense challenges of supporting him, Wilmer’s family never wavered in their dedication. They tirelessly cared for him, ensuring he was fed and dressed, always striving to provide the best care possible. Irma tells us that the memory of her brother is all she has left of him because they do not own a single picture of him.

 

Irma Che

“I remember my brother, when he does used to work, he’s a nice person.  He’s respectful, he don’t disrespect nobody. You know, I remember when he used to go fishing, he bring us fish. He used to work. He was, he’s a nice person. He come and he talk to me.  When he, when that, before this happened to him, he used to say that will work and then,  he’s planned that to have his wife.  But it never happen.”

 

The situation shines a light on the vulnerability of the mentally disabled population, they are highly susceptible to violent crimes. A community effort is often necessary to ensure that these individuals remain safe and cared for..

 

Irma Che

“When he go somewhere, some people that have good heart, some people, like, give him a clothes to change or give him food, some people talk to him, make a change, like, I don’t know if  I don’t know then, I just confused. Because sometimes I sit down and I ask God why he is like that? Why \ people, bad minded, why they have to do my brother that.  I don’t know why?”

 

Irma explains that the death comes at a difficult time for her because her mother is unwell. And she, herself is reeling from a car accident she was involved the day of her brother’s death.

 

Irma Che

“My mom is here. My mom, she’s not a healthy woman. My mom is sick as well. She has sweet blood and then she’s stressed. Don’t know what to do because  We already lose one brother, my baby brother. He died like five years now.  We lose the next one again.  So I don’t know what more else could do. I don’t know.”

 

The family is now urgently seeking the resources needed to give Wilmer a proper farewell. As they await justice, Irma is reaching out to the public for any assistance they can provide. She can be contacted at 654-1815. Britney Gordon for News Five.