Two weeks ago, we told you about 48 year old Florentino Ayala - the Orange Walk resident who was found dead inside his cell at the Belize Central Prison. According to CEO of the prison, Earl Jones, Ayala was found inside his cell at the special care section at around 7:30am on Monday. Jones said he was displaying signs of psychotic behavior, so he was placed there under special care for his own benefit. But today when 7news caught up with Ayala's family at the morgue - who were also waiting their turn for his Post Mortem to be conducted, they told us, they strongly believe that their loved one was murdered inside his cell since he was found with injuries over his body.
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"I was in Orange Walk that day on Tuesday morning when I received a notice from a man from August Pine Ridge not a police, not an official from prison. It a man from August Pine Ridge who call me and he gave me the notice. At that time I didn't know what to do - if to go back to the prison or the hospital or go back to my house. I wait for a time to decide what to do."
Monica Bodden
"So the villager came and told you that your husband died. I understand that you call the prison to inquire what happen. What were you told happen to him?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"The man that I spoke to told me that the police said that when they got the body from prison - that he had injuries all over his body. I don't know if that is true because I have not receive the body at this time."
Monica Bodden
"Who told you that at the prison?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"A man named Earl Jones."
Monica Bodden
"He told you that your husband had injuries on his body."
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"Yes."
Monica Bodden
"How long was your husband at the central prison for?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"8 days."
Monica Bodden
"On what charges?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"For domestic violence."
Monica Bodden
"So he only spent 8 days and you received the news that he died in prison."
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"Yes."
Monica Bodden
"Was he suffering from any illness or anything?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"No, he is not sick. The only problem he has is that he drinks a lot."
Monica Bodden
"But that wouldn't affect him?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"I think no."
Monica Bodden
"Do you believe that your husband was murdered?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"I think yes."
Monica Bodden
"Was he with other cellmates in a cell or was he alone in a cell?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"I ask Mr. Jones about that and he told me no that there were 3 cellmates with him."
Monica Bodden
"You husband died on what day?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"They gave me the notice about 8am Tuesday morning this week."
Monica Bodden
"Do you know the exact day that he died?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"No."
Monica Bodden
"You weren't told which day he died?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"No."
Monica Bodden
"Do you want a proper investigation being done to what cause his death because I understand he went in as a healthy person to the prison?"
Norma Ayala, Wife of Deceased
"Yes if they can do that I would appreciate it."
Ayala was remanded to prison on December 31 on the charge of aggravated assault.
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