标签： Belize

The tight-knit community of San Felipe is reeling from a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 35-year-old Angelita Magaña and her two children. The incident, allegedly caused by her estranged ex-partner, Francisco Godoy, has left family and friends in profound shock. Angelita, remembered as a devoted mother, had reportedly sought help to protect herself from Godoy but felt ignored by authorities. Her cousin, Britney Soliz, shared heartfelt memories of Angelita’s unwavering love for her children and her struggles to escape a dangerous relationship. The family is now grappling with both emotional and financial burdens, rallying community support to cover funeral expenses. Contributions can be made to Atlantic Bank account 2120046408 (Ana Briceno) or Belize Bank account 257489010220000 (Britney Shaiana Soliz). This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for systemic action to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable families.

The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) is set to begin the search for a new Chief Executive Officer after Chandra Cansino announced she will not renew her contract. Health and Wellness Minister Kevin Bernard confirmed that the hospital’s board is actively preparing to advertise the position. ‘The board has already convened and is drafting the terms of reference for the advertisement,’ Bernard stated. He emphasized that while he does not directly engage with board matters, his ministry is committed to ensuring a swift and effective transition. The minister expressed his best wishes for Cansino’s future endeavors, acknowledging her contributions to the institution. Bernard highlighted the importance of selecting a capable leader who can collaborate effectively with the board to maintain continuity, drive improvements, and ensure the hospital’s sustainability. However, he noted that no specific timeline has been set for the recruitment process, as the board is still finalizing the details. The ministry aims to expedite the hiring process to secure a suitable replacement who can uphold KHMH’s mission and operational excellence.

The St Michael School in San Felipe is enveloped in sorrow as the community gathers to remember Angelita Magaña, 35, and her two children, Tishan Godoy, 6, and Shadia Magaña, 17, who tragically lost their lives in a horrific act of domestic violence. The incident occurred on Monday when Angelita’s estranged ex-partner, Francisco Godoy, 35, allegedly doused them in gasoline and set them ablaze. Angelita and Tishan died that same day, while Shadia succumbed to her injuries this morning at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City. Godoy, who had recently been released on bail for prior domestic violence charges, also died from his injuries.

Godoy had reportedly tracked Angelita down after his release, breaking into her home and threatening her life if she refused to reconcile. Fearing for their safety, Angelita had relocated to San Felipe Village with her common-law husband. She had sought a restraining order on Friday but was instructed to return on Monday, a day she never lived to see.

Minister of Human Development Thea Garcia-Ramirez acknowledged systemic failures in protecting women and children but stressed that societal responsibility is equally crucial. Angelita, known for her kindness and dedication, had been a beloved member of the St Michael School community for two years. She was often seen assisting children with special needs, welcoming visitors, and escorting students to the bathroom.

In her memory, the school organized a community-wide fundraiser, with support pouring in from the village council and other Catholic schools in Orange Walk. Students and teachers wore purple, the color symbolizing the fight against domestic violence, to honor Angelita and raise awareness. Principal D. Cal emphasized the need to stop domestic violence, stating, ‘We met together to send out a message… we need to stop domestic violence.’

As the community grieves, they hope Angelita’s story will inspire action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, 17-year-old Shadia Magaña, one of the victims of a horrific fire in San Felipe, Belize, has tragically passed away due to severe burn injuries sustained in the incident. The devastating attack, which occurred in the early hours of October 20, 2025, involved Shadia, her mother Angelita Magaña, and her younger brother Tishan being doused in gasoline and set ablaze by Angelita’s estranged partner, 35-year-old Francisco Godoy. Godoy, the alleged perpetrator, also died this morning at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City. Shadia, a recent high school graduate, was initially treated at the Northern Regional Hospital before being transferred to KHMH for advanced medical care. Despite the relentless efforts of medical professionals, she succumbed to her injuries on October 22, 2025. This tragic incident has cast a somber shadow over the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of domestic violence.

Francisco Godoy, a 35-year-old man accused of a heinous crime in San Felipe Village, has succumbed to his injuries. Godoy was hospitalized at the K.H.M.H. with severe burns covering 90% of his body and passed away at approximately 5:45 a.m. on October 22, 2025. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning when Godoy allegedly broke into the home of his estranged partner, Angelita Magaña, and her two children, six-year-old Tishan and 17-year-old Shadia. After dousing them with gasoline, he set the house ablaze. Magaña and Tishan perished in the fire, while Shadia died later while receiving treatment at the Northern Regional Hospital. Godoy had been under police guard as authorities prepared to charge him. His death marks the end of the criminal case, though investigations into the tragic event continue.

In a tragic late-night incident, a 37-year-old man was fatally shot in Belize City on Tuesday, October 22, 2025. Police were alerted to gunfire reports around 10:45 p.m. on Nurse Findley Crescent. Upon arrival, officers discovered Ricardo Arturo Escobar with multiple gunshot wounds. He was immediately transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (K.H.M.H.), where he succumbed to his injuries. Preliminary investigations reveal that Escobar was standing on the street when an unidentified assailant approached and opened fire, striking him multiple times before fleeing the scene. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and further details are expected as the case develops.