Belize - Francesca Matus, 52, & Drew De Voursney, 36, murdered, Corozal, 25 Apr 2017

[Satchie]

If this last profile pic that Francesca posted on fb where the caption reads, iirc, where she feels at home, is the view from her home, why would she sell it? speculation, imo.

Actually, she says this was taken "just driving into Corozal from Ranchito... that's the view that makes me feel at "home"." It is not the view from her house, which was in Consejo Shores.

Maybe her large house, intended to operate as a B&B, then filled with a tenant and his family, wasn't all that homey. Maybe she was looking to buy a smaller house. Speculation, imo.

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[Satchie]

There is a life-streaming webcam, that is now available 24/7. When I checked a few days ago, it was only available for daylight hours.

There are some properties with video surveillance cameras, as seen on this old news video: :giggle:

[video=youtube;XMV7VMYiQlw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMV7VMYiQlw[/video]​

Ha, scary criminals in Belize. The first guy looks to be stealing a battery from a parked car.

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[Ritika]

I've been following this story since FM and DD were missing. Finally, I decided to register with WS so I can partake in the discussions.
My head is spinning as the facts or non facts have been unraveling.. I have a number of theories in my mind and will share them here. Again, they are just my own theories; I am not familiar with anyone in this case.
Something I found strange is FM's fb posts: for someone who is loved by so many and has many friends, she did not post very often. Nor did she often talk about her comings or goings. Now, I realize that this could be for security reasons, as one should not do this on FB. but you would think that if she were selling her place, she would have posted this to her friends; maybe someone she knows would have bought it from her? IMHO she may have been thinking of selling, but had not yet put her home on the market. she could have many reasons for selling. Perhaps she found a better place elsewhere, away from "the american land barron". Or perhaps she wanted to cut her ties from JD. this is merely my own speculation. As far as the manner in which they died: I think that they were followed from the bar by someone they knew, then they were either drugged or knocked out first , given the size and strength of DD. Once they were knocked out, the perp tied their wrists together and anchored them to a handle or something solid in the vechicle to ensure that no one could get way. Or maybe the perp used the battery to knock them out? I don;t know.
I am also wondering about the phone call she made or answered from Scotty's bar. Perhaps it was about the sale of her car. DD had a motorcycle, so he could not drive her to the airport. There could be many reasons why her friend Joe was the driver to the airport..maybe he had something to do on the way back so it was easier for him to drive her. but I think that she may have put her car up for sale.
I do feel there is something fishy about JD, her tenant. If she was such a good friend of his, as he stated in a news interview, then why was JD not at Scotty's bar for her going away party? To me, this is very telling! I have more thoughts stirring in my head, and will write more later. For now, I hope you will forgive me for typing as I think...I just had to do something with all this stuff on my mind. I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. May they both RIP.

 

[Mercedes]

I've been following this story since FM and DD were missing. Finally, I decided to register with WS so I can partake in the discussions.
My head is spinning as the facts or non facts have been unraveling.. I have a number of theories in my mind and will share them here. Again, they are just my own theories; I am not familiar with anyone in this case.
Something I found strange is FM's fb posts: for someone who is loved by so many and has many friends, she did not post very often. Nor did she often talk about her comings or goings. Now, I realize that this could be for security reasons, as one should not do this on FB. but you would think that if she were selling her place, she would have posted this to her friends; maybe someone she knows would have bought it from her? IMHO she may have been thinking of selling, but had not yet put her home on the market. she could have many reasons for selling. Perhaps she found a better place elsewhere, away from "the american land barron". Or perhaps she wanted to cut her ties from JD. this is merely my own speculation. As far as the manner in which they died: I think that they were followed from the bar by someone they knew, then they were either drugged or knocked out first , given the size and strength of DD. Once they were knocked out, the perp tied their wrists together and anchored them to a handle or something solid in the vechicle to ensure that no one could get way. Or maybe the perp used the battery to knock them out? I don;t know.
I am also wondering about the phone call she made or answered from Scotty's bar. Perhaps it was about the sale of her car. DD had a motorcycle, so he could not drive her to the airport. There could be many reasons why her friend Joe was the driver to the airport..maybe he had something to do on the way back so it was easier for him to drive her. but I think that she may have put her car up for sale.
I do feel there is something fishy about JD, her tenant. If she was such a good friend of his, as he stated in a news interview, then why was JD not at Scotty's bar for her going away party? To me, this is very telling! I have more thoughts stirring in my head, and will write more later. For now, I hope you will forgive me for typing as I think...I just had to do something with all this stuff on my mind. I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. May they both RIP.

:welcome: :websleuther: :applause:

 

[dotr]

Actually, she says this was taken "just driving into Corozal from Ranchito... that's the view that makes me feel at "home"." It is not the view from her house, which was in Consejo Shores.

Maybe her large house, intended to operate as a B&B, then filled with a tenant and his family, wasn't all that homey. Maybe she was looking to buy a smaller house. Speculation, imo.

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Thanks very much for the clarification and apologies for my error!

 

[Ritika]

:welcome: :websleuther: :applause:

Thank you!

 

[LayzeeDayzee]

The other thing is, her address would be on the registration would it not?
But they never robbed her house

I can't help but feel that the battery & registration were taken, as an impulsive move by the perp(s), to make it more difficult should someone (land-owner, etc) come across the vehicle, to either drive it out of the field and report it to LE, or read the info on the registration and immediately see that it was registered to a woman who everyone knew was missing. Also, possibly Perp(s) aware field scheduled to be burned and removed battery to help ensure vehicle remained there (as opposed to someone finding it and driving it out) and would be destroyed in the burn.

Last night I was reading on the Belize newstation's FB page, some comments from someone who mentioned the bodies had signs of trauma to the head (like hit in the head, knocked out, etc). Don't know the validity of these statements, tho, of course. But it would make sense. Belize LE have stated the COD is manual strangulation but there are very likely other details about the autopsy (eg: signs of trauma to head, fracture to skull, etc etc) that they're just not going to release to the public. The only way I can see DD having been strangled was if he was unconscious to begin with.

And just speculating, it would be much easier to knock someone out with a blow to the head if you were a person the victim trusted. As a victim you'd be much less 'on-guard' if approached by someone you know.

I'm curious to know, if true, why JD was months behind on rent. If they were such good friends from back home, why would you do that to a friend? Or is it because they're a friend and you figure they'll keep cutting you some slack? Was JD hurting for money? Was he not paying rent because he didn't have the money or did he refuse to pay rent for some other reason? (eg: he felt FM owed him for something, at least according to him). Was JD not working? Got himself into some bad financial deals? Did his GF work? (she reportedly lived with him and her 2 kids).

I wonder what the 'laws' are in Belize, with respect to not paying rent, is there a formal eviction process?

if there is a formal eviction process, would that apply to a situation of an ex-pat vs another ex-pat?

Did FM feel the only way to end JD's tenancy and get him out of her home was to sell it?

 

[fred&edna]

Given that Belize is a poor country, I think that a reward of $50k would bring useful tips. I wonder if rewards are allowed in Belize.

RSBM

Evidently, rewards are allowed.

There's a $20,000 reward in Anne Swaney's murder (2016). And, currently, her case is unsolved. (Also, of note, her COD was strangulation, and IIRC she had been sexually assaulted).

"Less than a month after the Federal Bureau of Investigation posted a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever killed ABC7 Eyewitness News Executive Producer Anne Swaney, the bureau has doubled the reward money.

The FBI is now offering $20,000 in the case.

Swaney disappeared on Jan. 14, 2016, while vacationing in western Belize. Her body was found by searchers a day later, floating in the Mopan River, which skirts the horse ranch and eco-resort where she had been staying.

Authorities determined she had been strangled. Belize police and FBI agents who have been assisting in the case have no motive for the murder nor any prime suspects."

http://abc7chicago.com/news/fbi-doubles-reward-in-anne-swaney-murder-case/1753783/

 

[otto]

I've been following this story since FM and DD were missing. Finally, I decided to register with WS so I can partake in the discussions.
My head is spinning as the facts or non facts have been unraveling.. I have a number of theories in my mind and will share them here. Again, they are just my own theories; I am not familiar with anyone in this case.
Something I found strange is FM's fb posts: for someone who is loved by so many and has many friends, she did not post very often. Nor did she often talk about her comings or goings. Now, I realize that this could be for security reasons, as one should not do this on FB. but you would think that if she were selling her place, she would have posted this to her friends; maybe someone she knows would have bought it from her? IMHO she may have been thinking of selling, but had not yet put her home on the market. she could have many reasons for selling. Perhaps she found a better place elsewhere, away from "the american land barron". Or perhaps she wanted to cut her ties from JD. this is merely my own speculation. As far as the manner in which they died: I think that they were followed from the bar by someone they knew, then they were either drugged or knocked out first , given the size and strength of DD. Once they were knocked out, the perp tied their wrists together and anchored them to a handle or something solid in the vechicle to ensure that no one could get way. Or maybe the perp used the battery to knock them out? I don;t know.
I am also wondering about the phone call she made or answered from Scotty's bar. Perhaps it was about the sale of her car. DD had a motorcycle, so he could not drive her to the airport. There could be many reasons why her friend Joe was the driver to the airport..maybe he had something to do on the way back so it was easier for him to drive her. but I think that she may have put her car up for sale.
I do feel there is something fishy about JD, her tenant. If she was such a good friend of his, as he stated in a news interview, then why was JD not at Scotty's bar for her going away party? To me, this is very telling! I have more thoughts stirring in my head, and will write more later. For now, I hope you will forgive me for typing as I think...I just had to do something with all this stuff on my mind. I am deeply saddened by this tragedy. May they both RIP.

Is it possible that she's a fairly private person? Did she post photos about her home on social media when she purchased the property 3 years ago, or advertise her bed and breakfast there? If not, then it would be consistent that she would also not advertise a home sale on social media.

After yesterday's updates, I'm thinking Mr Richardson is the ruthless land baron. He broke a bottle on the head of Francesca's tenant and was facing charges. It's in Mr Richardson's interests to point fingers at the tenant and suggest that he is the suspect, that he argued with Francesca, and to take the focus off himself, but Mr Richardson probably benefits from Francesca's murder. He might have been asking to buy her property (we don't know) but we do know that her property will now be available and he can own a larger stretch of waterfront property. If she had any intentions of selling her property, I think we need to hear it from someone other than the violent neighbour.

 

[dotr]

May 10 2017
http://amandala.com.bz/news/canadian-man-john-deshaies-54-charged-theft/

Deshaies was charged with theft and handling stolen goods in connection with the theft of over $50,000 worth of electronic items from a casino in Placencia in March. Deshaies, a construction worker, was employed by the casino at the time.
On Thursday, police conducted a search at his residence in Corozal, where some of the items were allegedly retrieved.
Today, Friday, Deshaies appeared unrepresented before Magistrate Yolanda Demoya at the Independence Magistrate’s Court, and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until November.

We had learnt from sources close to her that she was planning to sell the building and was already negotiating the selling price with an individual.
Belizean authorities will be assisted in their investigation of the double murder by FBI investigators who today arrived in Corozal, and are already on the ground.

 

[otto]

May 10 2017
http://amandala.com.bz/news/canadian-man-john-deshaies-54-charged-theft/

If the person with whom she was negotiating the sale of her home turns out to be the violent 80 year old neighbour, I'm going to have a hard time believing it. That would all be a little too convenient.

 

[dotr]

Some thoughts about the alleged non-payment of rent.
Deshaies had a job at the casino, allegedly was in possession of 50+k worth of items and owned a truck, surely even if late, he could scrape up the rent.
Speaking of which, considering the real estate prices, imo, rent probably cost a pittance, with no shortage of other available rentals if push came to shove.
speculation, imo.

 

[dotr]

o/t Oddly enough another Canadian has recently been charged for murder whilst on holiday in Cancun.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toron...h-murder-of-mexican-woman-in-cancun-1.4107350

[h=1]Canadian man charged with murder of Mexican woman in Cancun[/h]
[h=3]Mexican media identify the man as 33-year-old Michael Kalata[/h] : May 10, 2017

Mexican officials have charged a Canadian man with homicide after a 23-year-old woman was found dead at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun.

The officials will only release the initials of the man charged, M.K. They have released a photo, his eyes blurred to conceal his identity.
However, Mexican media and a source identify the man as 33-year-old Michael Kalata. At least one Mexican news outlet is reporting he's from Toronto.
The young woman who was killed, Gabriela Jaramillo, was from Saltillo, Mexico. She had travelled to Cancun for a beach vacation.

 

[PaxBelize]

Is the Toronto newspaper typically "wrong" when reporting facts?

I don't see anything blatantly incorrect or along the lines of "poor reporting" in the news article. I don't think that claims of inaccuracy in the Toronto newspaper are valid.

That's OK. There were a number of inaccuracies I recall reading their reporting throughout. I don't have the time to review them now. You don't have to agree.

 

[PaxBelize]

I can't help but feel that the battery & registration were taken, as an impulsive move by the perp(s), to make it more difficult should someone (land-owner, etc) come across the vehicle, to either drive it out of the field and report it to LE, or read the info on the registration and immediately see that it was registered to a woman who everyone knew was missing. Also, possibly Perp(s) aware field scheduled to be burned and removed battery to help ensure vehicle remained there (as opposed to someone finding it and driving it out) and would be destroyed in the burn.

Last night I was reading on the Belize newstation's FB page, some comments from someone who mentioned the bodies had signs of trauma to the head (like hit in the head, knocked out, etc). Don't know the validity of these statements, tho, of course. But it would make sense. Belize LE have stated the COD is manual strangulation but there are very likely other details about the autopsy (eg: signs of trauma to head, fracture to skull, etc etc) that they're just not going to release to the public. The only way I can see DD having been strangled was if he was unconscious to begin with.

And just speculating, it would be much easier to knock someone out with a blow to the head if you were a person the victim trusted. As a victim you'd be much less 'on-guard' if approached by someone you know.

I'm curious to know, if true, why JD was months behind on rent. If they were such good friends from back home, why would you do that to a friend? Or is it because they're a friend and you figure they'll keep cutting you some slack? Was JD hurting for money? Was he not paying rent because he didn't have the money or did he refuse to pay rent for some other reason? (eg: he felt FM owed him for something, at least according to him). Was JD not working? Got himself into some bad financial deals? Did his GF work? (she reportedly lived with him and her 2 kids).

I wonder what the 'laws' are in Belize, with respect to not paying rent, is there a formal eviction process?

if there is a formal eviction process, would that apply to a situation of an ex-pat vs another ex-pat?

Did FM feel the only way to end JD's tenancy and get him out of her home was to sell it?

There is a formal eviction process in Belize, which is efficient. It matters not whether you are an immigrant or Belizean. The procedure is the same.

 

[Kamille]

Ha, scary criminals in Belize. The first guy looks to be stealing a battery from a parked car.

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Which lends some credence to the idea that car batteries are a hot ticket stolen item in the country and that it's possible someone else who found the car abandoned in the cane field stole it for their own personal use or profit.

MOO

 

[andreww]

One thing that I find telling is that JDs girlfriend is proclaiming his innocence, talking freely with the media. The one thing that she isn't saying is that "he was here with me" on that night. We are talking about a fairly certain time frame, between 10:00 pm and maybe 2:00 am. If this guy is innocent, somebody should be able to corroborate his whereabouts during that time, so being as he is still in custody, one can only assume that he has nobody vouching for him. So where does a guy go all night by himself? Police also said he was being uncooperative, another sure sign of guilt. I'm pretty sure JD is going to be charged in due time.

 

[Kamille]

Some thoughts about the alleged non-payment of rent.
Deshaies had a job at the casino, allegedly was in possession of 50+k worth of items and owned a truck, surely even if late, he could scrape up the rent.
Speaking of which, considering the real estate prices, imo, rent probably cost a pittance, with no shortage of other available rentals if push came to shove.
speculation, imo.

Just jumping off your post dotr,

He also appears to have family in Canada, some of whom are friends on his girlfriend's Facebook so I'm sure he could get some help that way if need be since they must be aware of his situation in Belize.

Francesca could have made a lot more money renting her home by the day, as is the common practice for tourists, but she would not have been guaranteed a steady income that way and it's a lot more work. As a property manager she'd know that.. I'm sure the arrangement with JD, who likely also took care of the property for her, especially when she was not there, was good for her IF he was consistent with paying his rent. If not, perhaps she WAS considering selling the place for profit and purchasing again in a new developing area? So how would murdering her benefit JD and/or his girlfriend? I agree that they could easily have found other rental accommodations if she sold, there are all kinds of ads online for them.

MOO

 

[Kamille]

There is a formal eviction process in Belize, which is efficient. It matters not whether you are an immigrant or Belizean. The procedure is the same.

What would that process be and how long would it usually take? Who would enforce it?

TIA

 

[Kamille]

One thing that I find telling is that JDs girlfriend is proclaiming his innocence, talking freely with the media. The one thing that she isn't saying is that "he was here with me" on that night. We are talking about a fairly certain time frame, between 10:00 pm and maybe 2:00 am. If this guy is innocent, somebody should be able to corroborate his whereabouts during that time, so being as he is still in custody, one can only assume that he has nobody vouching for him. So where does a guy go all night by himself? Police also said he was being uncooperative, another sure sign of guilt. I'm pretty sure JD is going to be charged in due time.

Well he is in custody for another matter so his girlfriend cannot "vouch" for him to get out on bail. He has also not been charged with the murder so perhaps his attorney is telling her not to discuss anything regarding that night.

If he was working in Placencia, and there was a young man who claimed he left the home early in the morning and returned late in the evening each day, he may have been driving home when all this went down. I'm sure the girlfriend could easily say he was with her if she knows he did this, or was part of it, but there is a chance that he was actually not home. Which of course does not bode well for him. Unless he was on his phone and his whereabouts can be proven that way. Not sure LE in Belize are up on all these investigating tools though. I hope the FBI helps out in that regard.

ETA...it is also my experience with these cases, especially out of country, that anyone who is not confessing or is waiting to talk to a lawyer is considered uncooperative by police. JD was without a lawyer for almost a week I believe.

MOO