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

[kmclaren]

She was a realtor in Toronto - a city with sky rocketing housing prices. She probably flipped homes in addition to selling for clients and very likely made a lot of money with commissions. Also, I don't think it takes much to appear as though having a "lot of money" in a place like Belize.

It would't surprise me if robbery the first assumption police had when they heard that a Canadian woman and USA man were missing, and it wouldn't surprise me if police are satisfied with deeming the case unsolvable based on that assumption.

She was a mortgage broker and only worked 1/2 year that she wasn't down in Belize. She also had a couple of investment properties in Toronto, I think but I don't think she was an actual realtor.

 

[otto]

She was a mortgage broker and only worked 1/2 year that she wasn't down in Belize. She also had a couple of investment properties in Toronto, I think but I don't think she was an actual realtor.

I think early reports said that she was a realtor, but perhaps I misread. She was a real estate investor in Toronto. Given the real estate market in Toronto, as a real estate investor she probably flipped some properties.

“That’s just what Francesca was, she was someone who was very simple and living her dream,” Matus’ real estate mentor and friend Robert Di Matto told the Star Tuesday.
...

Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Matus most recently lived in Keswick, Ont., but owned several properties in Toronto and began travelling to Belize four years ago, Kurnath said. She would live there from December to April, managing her Toronto properties remotely, Kurnath recalled, and had never run into problems before."

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/20...-of-toronto-woman-boyfriend-as-homicides.html

"Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Matus was a real estate investor and sometime mortgage broker. "

http://www.torontosun.com/2017/05/0...erican-boyfriend-found-dead-in-belize-reports

 

[DueSouth]

Do they mean hands or wrists bound with duct tape?

http://people.com/crime/missing-american-canadian-couple-dead-in-belize/

The two of them are enjoying a night out at their favourite watering hole. a welcome place with no obvious signs of trouble.

Very likely they had a bit of local currency on them. Neither of them are flashing overt signs of wealth, or antagonizing anyone in the bar.

They leave the bar, and at some point someone ambushes them, managing to subdue a large, combat trained man.

The killer(s) strangled them, leaving their bodies some distance from the SUV.

I don't understand how the second part of the story happened. The only thing I can imagine is that more than one person carrying a gun stopped them. To that point, why were they killed by strangulation, something that requires strength and being able to get the drop on the individual?

Whoever did this must have access to some form of transportation, to get from the sugar cane field to wherever they went afterward.

Criminals usually use the path of least resistance; looking at Devoursney would likely deter most muggers or street robbers.

This is an unusual case that seems to be more than it appears.

JMHO

 

[Hazel]

She was a mortgage broker and only worked 1/2 year that she wasn't down in Belize. She also had a couple of investment properties in Toronto, I think but I don't think she was an actual realtor.

Her LinkedIn page says she is a real estate investor and property manager from the Toronto area. Friends say she has homes in both Canada and Belize, and lives in the Central American country five to six months a year.

http://globalnews.ca/news/3413407/canadian-woman-missing-in-belize/

Her Linkedin


I believe she has a vacation home rental in Belize.
Found this facebook page, that I believe it's hers, same image as her home in Consejo, Corozal, and I believe it's her in a couple of pictures.
https://www.facebook.com/WhisperingPalmsBelize/

and YouTube videos advertising the place.

I wonder if she withdrew cash from the Bank a few days prior to her scheduled trip back to Canada, and that's how the police knows she had money.

 

[Satchie]

Most temporary residents just withdraw cash from their their home bank, they don't open an account at a Belize bank. So I can't see her withdrawing cash from her Canadian account to carry it on the flight. I wonder if she did some business on a cash basis, and she had to carry it to Canada to deposit, since you can't mak e cash deposits offshore.

However, it's unusual to carry lots of cash, robbers know it's more likely to be found in the home and will attack there, unless they want to steal the vehicle.

There was a Canadian killed in Panama, turned out to have been his trusted Swiss business partner. The case was solved by a private detective hired by his family.

 

[Sweetgrits]

If they were taken leaving the bar by 2 or more men maybe one was put in the backseat and one in the front. If they were in the passenger side of the vehicle maybe each was duct taped to the door handles or the damnit loops. That could explain the tape being on the right side.

It's very hard for me to imagine being able to subdue a 6'6" ex-marine long enough to strangle him. Strangling takes a lot of strength and it takes several minutes for death to occur. Also if Francesca was killed first (since the article upthread says her body. was underneath Drews) I'd be surprised if one man could keep a man Drews size in check long enough to strangle Francesca. I wonder if maybe they were both unconscious when they were killed.

Someone mentioned this before but it seems unlikely they were targeted for a robbery just because of Drews size. Wouldn't you choose someone easier to handle? For whatever reason I think this was preplanned.

JMO

 

[Hazel]

Voice of: Colin McGowan, Owner - Scotty's Bar
"They were here last Tuesday, I was in the bar as well. Happy, content they left together. There were no problems."

But something went very wrong after that and police have one suspect, and a possible motive:

Jules Vasquez, 7News
"Is that person in custody?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"So far, yes."

Reporter
"Is he a local?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"I rather not say."

Jules Vasquez, 7News
"Is there any indication that theft was a motive? Was anything missing from the vehicle or from the individuals?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"What I could say is that the female had on her jewelry, but to say that theft was a motive, we cannot say at this point."

Jules Vasquez, 7News
"Are you able to say if the suspects may have had some familiarity that these people were no on their guard then, because taking down a 6ft, 6in marine and strangled him, it wouldn't appear to be a quite easy thing. It would need a large or a significant number of people to do that."

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"At this point the investigation is still in its infancy stage and we are looking on that angle also. At this point we cannot say."

Reporter
"We know that from our investigation also that Francesca also dealt in real-estate also. Are you guys looking at that angle that she may have been some land transaction gone wrong and somebody taking revenge? Is that something that you guys are looking into?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"We are looking at all angles right now."

Reporter
"The person in custody, how long have you been questioning that person for?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"Just about 2 hours the most. We detained him today. We are looking at some threats that was made. That's all to it so far."

Reporter
"Which one of them?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"The female. That's all to it so far."

Reporter
"Can you say how recent those threats were made?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"No I can't say."

Reporter
"Did she reported it?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"No."

Reporter
"Threats against her life?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"No. Just open threats. I believe if a report of such of reported of that threat to Miss Francesca, maybe she would still be alive today. And I believe that members in the community, their community, knows exactly what was happening."

Read more here: http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=40188

 

[Hazel]

Their cell phones were not found and the battery had been stolen from the vehicle.

http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=40188

I had read on one of the facebook pages, a comment saying the engine of the car was missing. I didn't mention it, in case it was just a rumour, but now this report says "battery had been stolen".

Also, I don't know if it's just a reflection, or is the hood open?

 

[LayzeeDayzee]

Read more here: http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=40188

Wow, so threats had been made to her, and that members of her community would have been aware of such threats, and he speculates that if someone had reported these threats that maybe she'd be alive today. Issues with a neighbor maybe?

 

[Linike]

She was a realtor in Toronto - a city with sky rocketing housing prices. She probably flipped homes in addition to selling for clients and very likely made a lot of money with commissions. Also, I don't think it takes much to appear as though having a "lot of money" in a place like Belize.

It would't surprise me if robbery the first assumption police had when they heard that a Canadian woman and USA man were missing, and it wouldn't surprise me if police are satisfied with deeming the case unsolvable based on that assumption.

I don't believe this was a robbery, it was very personal..due to nature of their murders. Also, very notable, the positions of their bodies- also part of the message- it is so dangerous being 'not native' in these places. Such a sad, sad story....so similar to other murders in Belize. My heart aches for their loved ones.
It will be interesting if there is a 'conviction' and I believe that there will be - even if they don't have the real murderer. Their tourist industry will take a major hit for these latest murders. It has brought to light the very dark murder rate - the third worst country......again.....we as 'non-natives can not go unnoticed as nice as we might be.

 

[otto]

The two of them are enjoying a night out at their favourite watering hole. a welcome place with no obvious signs of trouble.

Very likely they had a bit of local currency on them. Neither of them are flashing overt signs of wealth, or antagonizing anyone in the bar.

They leave the bar, and at some point someone ambushes them, managing to subdue a large, combat trained man.

The killer(s) strangled them, leaving their bodies some distance from the SUV.

I don't understand how the second part of the story happened. The only thing I can imagine is that more than one person carrying a gun stopped them. To that point, why were they killed by strangulation, something that requires strength and being able to get the drop on the individual?

Whoever did this must have access to some form of transportation, to get from the sugar cane field to wherever they went afterward.

Criminals usually use the path of least resistance; looking at Devoursney would likely deter most muggers or street robbers.

This is an unusual case that seems to be more than it appears.

JMHO

They were abducted in Corozal. Francesca's car was used to take them from the restaurant to where they were murdered, and then the car was ditched/hidden on the North end of Corozal (Paraiso Village).

 

[otto]

Read more here: http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=40188

Thank you! That's starting to sound more realistic with threats against Francensca, and not a robbery. This is interesting

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"No. Just open threats. I believe if a report of such of reported of that threat to Miss Francesca, maybe she would still be alive today. And I believe that members in the community, their community, knows exactly what was happening."

Jules Vasquez, 7News
"Would there be some measure of relief if it is an expatriate thing - or a foreign thing?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"Well I believe it would be to know that it's not one of our own commits such a gruesome crime."

 

[Dushi]

The report of threats being made is interesting
What are the chances that this was a chance encounter and robbery gone wrong?

I don't think so

 

[otto]

The report of threats being made is interesting
What are the chances that this was a chance encounter and robbery gone wrong?

I don't think so

This never seemed like a robbery or a chance encounter. The use of duct tape supports the point that someone had a plan. Francesca has always seemed like the target in part because I view a 36 year old man who is dating a 52 year old woman as being rather laid back, easy going, and non-judgmental - but that's my opinion - and I don't see an easy going man as being a target. A woman who makes money with real estate investments is another story, as I view someone like that as looking for an opportunity and grabbing it any way possible. If either of them could have left someone feeling taken advantage of, my guess is that it is Francesca, and that is why I always viewed her as the target.

Robbery seems out of the question because their money was left with their passports and luggage in her home. Also, the timing of her murder on the night before she was scheduled to leave the country seems critical ... murder seems to happen sometimes when it is the last chance to commit the murder (e.g. Liknes family).

Maybe a stun gun was used to disable both of them.

 

[Dushi]

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"No. Just open threats. I believe if a report of such of reported of that threat to Miss Francesca, maybe she would still be alive today. And I believe that members in the community, their community, knows exactly what was happening."
http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=40188

It reads like he believes the person who made threats is the person who took their lives

 

[Snoopster]

This never seemed like a robbery or a chance encounter. The use of duct tape supports the point that someone had a plan. Francesca has always seemed like the target in part because I view a 36 year old man who is dating a 52 year old woman as being rather laid back, easy going, and non-judgmental - but that's my opinion - and I don't see an easy going man as being a target. A woman who makes money with real estate investments is another story, as I view someone like that as looking for an opportunity and grabbing it any way possible. If either of them could have left someone feeling taken advantage of, my guess is that it is Francesca, and that is why I always viewed her as the target.

Robbery seems out of the question because their money was left with their passports and luggage in her home. Also, the timing of her murder on the night before she was scheduled to leave the country seems critical ... murder seems to happen sometimes when it is the last chance to commit the murder (e.g. Liknes family).

Maybe a stun gun was used to disable both of them.

Or maybe someone slipped a drug into their drinks at the bar? This would be more difficult to do to two people than just one though.

They likely had to be incapacitated somehow.

If it was just a random murder there wouldn't have been a need to hide the bodies.

 

[ninij9]

I so want to say a little of what's on my mind. Firstly I am a repeat Traveller to Mexico Caribbean coast. There are a large amount of American and Canadian expats living there in gated communities such as Puerto Aventuras and Playacar. I have been absolutely hounding my husband to make a purchase to live the sno bird life soon. Belize has popped up on my radar repeadedly. There is a TREMENDOUS amount of money invested in drawing expats/snowbirds and repeat vacationers to their cays. I wonder if our victim had any investments in one of these dream locations?

Secondly, everywhere is dangerous people. Couples go missing everywhere , all of the time and are killed for many reasons. To me the only added risks in a place like Belize is that you don't have the rights you have at home. You are sometimes targeted for your perceived wealth. And it's a nightmare for friends a family to search for you. Otherwise s**t like this happens everywhere. I wanted to go to Belize. Bucket listed it and all. Xpu-ha resort on Amberges Cay is insanely gorgeous. However this is like the 4th murder against tourist in the past few years. I'll pass for now. Besides the seaweed epidemic is monsterously epic right now in Belize. Could affect investments for sure.

Excuse the babblefest. My prayers to these families and my hopes for justice.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[dotr]

Probably unrelated, but gives pause.
imo, speculation.

https://news.vice.com/article/beliz...ght-up-in-a-bloods-vs-crips-floating-drug-war

[h=1]Belize’s Island Paradise Is Caught Up in a Bloods Vs Crips Floating Drug War[/h]

By Nathaniel Janowitz
September 3, 2014

The emergence of the Bloods and Crips can be traced back to the 1980s and 90s, when Belizean nationals who were members in the US were deported back to Belize, along with their acquired gang culture and affiliations

"The stretch of beachfront on the entire island has been sold out to foreign investment," Mayor Guerrero told VICE News. "The big hotels, the big condos, the big restaurants are all owned by foreigners." This has led to large discrepancy in wealth between foreigners and locals, leading many impoverished Belizeans to turn to gang life, and fishing the sea lotto.

They kill you because nobody looks, nobody will find you at all, until a couple of months later in pieces, decayed already.'

 

[dotr]

https://www.yorkregion.com/news-sto...ke-you-suffer-keswick-mourns-francesca-matus/
May 03, 2017 by Jeremy Grimaldi

Neighbour Colin Mather lays flowers at a makeshift shrine in front of Francesca Matus' house at 15 Centro Ct. in Keswick.

'I pray they didn't make you suffer': Keswick mourns Francesca Matus

Belize has one of highest murder rates per capita in world, but country relies on tourism, traditionally considered safe for tourists

There are only two countries in the world with higher per capita murder rates than Belize — Honduras and Venezuela.

Several North Americans have been killed in Belize in the past few years. The body of American Anne Swaney, 39, was found in January 2016. Canadian Matthiew Klinck was found stabbed to death in the doorway of his home in that same month. In October 2013, Lynn Nichiporowich, 57, from Vancouver, was stabbed to death and in November 2012, American Ambergris Caye was shot to death.

Tourism is important for the economy, providing 14 per cent of all jobs and 23 per cent of GDP. A special police force was created for tourists.

 

[Sprigs]

http://www.torontosun.com/2017/05/03/canadian-murdered-in-belize-had-been-threatened-cops

Similar to the Belize report - Canadian murdered in Belize had been threatened: Cops