Police in Dangriga have launched a murder investigation after a dismembered body was discovered in a barrel near a resort, reportedly dumped into the sea.

The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Manuel Fernandez Jr.

Authorities suspect the dismemberment took place at a local meat shop, which they searched as part of the investigation. A local butcher has been detained in connection with the case. According to reports, an argument between Fernandez and another man over the ownership of the business escalated into a fatal confrontation, during which Fernandez was stabbed.

The incident unfolded on Sunday morning.

It is believed that the suspect tampered with nearby surveillance footage by stealing the memory card from a fruit shop’s camera. When police arrived at the business, they found the suspect behaving suspiciously and cleaning the premises, leading to his detention.