A woman from Vancouver was discovered deceased following a stabbing incident at a spa in Belize on Monday. The victim, Marty Thorne, was found at RawSpa resort near Bullet Tree Village early in the morning. The spa is situated approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Belize City and 37 kilometers southwest of Belmopan, the country’s capital.
Local authorities disclosed that a caretaker noticed blood in a cabana at RawSpa, and Thorne’s body was located about 50 meters away near a river on the premises. Currently, one individual is in custody in connection with the case, while police are seeking two additional suspects. It is suspected that Thorne may have been acquainted with the suspects, and her cellphone was the only item missing. The exact motive and cause of death have not been revealed pending an autopsy.
Thorne, who had been residing in Belize since a young age, returned to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and went back to Belize about six weeks ago. Officials have informed Thorne’s two sons, who reside in Vancouver, with their father being Belizean. One of the sons expressed shock and indicated a need to consult with family before granting an interview when contacted by a CBC News reporter via Facebook.
Global Affairs Canada acknowledged the passing of a Canadian national in Belize and conveyed condolences to the family. Consular officials are collaborating with local authorities to gather more details and provide assistance to the family. However, due to privacy concerns, no additional information can be shared at this time.
