Belize: Fisherman stabbed to death aboard Sailboat near Ranguana Caye

Belize: A 35 year old Belizean fisherman Jose Luis Arteaga stabbed to death along with another 34 year old fisherman Marvin Alexander Arteaga surviving the stabbing, onboard a sailboat, near Ranguana Caye.

A 33 year old fisherman from Sarteneja Village, Corozal District has been identified as the murderer and arrested allegedly, travelling onboard with the group. The suspect has been recognised as Mauri Julian Gomez of Sarteneja Village and charged with murder in relation with Arteaga’s death.

The incident was reported on Wednesday, August 12. Earlier reports indicate, police received the information about the offence soon after 4:30 PM and reached the location through a private vessel.

After suffering several stab wounds on the sailboat, men were instantly taken to the Placencia Polyclinic, where Luis Arteaga was pronounced dead shortly after 6 PM, he was taken to the facility unconscious with multiple stab wounds, causing injuries to his chest, below his right rib cage and his right arm.

Whereas, Marvin Alexander Arteaga suffered an injury to the left side of his chest but declared stable during the treatment, ultimately shifted to Southern Regional Hospital for further medical care.

According to the police’s initial report, a group of fishermen travelled from Placencia through a sailboat and reached Rangauna Caye at around 3:30 PM. Accused, one of the members of the group aboard a sailboat attacked Jose Luis Arteaga from his back multiple times, ultimately after being injured, Arteaga jumped into the sea.

Eventually, the suspect moved forward to stab Marvin Arteaga once in his chest, who was sleeping on the vessel. Other fishermen stepped in, held the suspect and carried the knife away, ultimately bringing Jose Luis back onto the vessel, police stated.

Gomez now has been officially charged for murdering Arteaga and the matter is further expected to be under the legal process.