7 News Belize

Teen Found Drowned, Not Decapitated In Rio Hondo
posted (June 30, 2016)
Yesterday morning word went out that a man's decapitated body had been fished out of the Rio Hondo near "La Union" - which is the northwestern border with Mexico. The body was on the Mexican side so it didn't make news on Belize, initially. But it is in the headlines tonight because the dead male is a 17 year old from San Felipe Village in Orange Walk. He went missing the day before, and the family had to go to the Chetumal Morgue to identify him by his clothing. But, it turns out he wasn't decapitated - and no foul play is suspected. The Officer in Charge of Orange Walk explains:..

Selvyn Tillett, OC, Orange Walk Formation
"There was a body indeed but it was floating in Mexican territory. There was nothing we could have done at that moment. Later on yesterday evening a female from San Felipe reported that her son Dustin Cortez, a teenager from San Felipe village had left with friend to La Union on a motorcycle from since Sunday and hadn't returned as yet. The description given to us by Dustin's mother fit that of the body seen floating in the river. As such orange walk police informed Mexican authorities of the report where the family of Dustin will need to go across on the Mexican side and try to identify the body. According to Mexican authorities, it appears to have been drowning. People have mentioned earlier something about his face, but apparently his face was damaged because it seems that fish had bitten his face."

The family doesn't buy the drowning story, and believe a companion he was with may have had something to do with his death. The family is asking for help in repatriating the body to Belize for burial. Those wanting to help can call Olga Cortez at 604-6599 or 608-7010.

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