Everyone's worst fear was confirmed last night when police found 74 year old British filmmaker Richard Foster's body in the Rivera Area of Belmopan.
As we reported, the caretaker for Foster's property went to the house early yesterday morning - and Foster was missing. The place had been trashed and Foster's two guns plus his Toyota pickup were gone.
Not too long after police got a call that his truck was found in the bushes in Mahogany Heights. Then, all hope was lost last night when his body was found. Courtney Weatherburne has the story of a quiet legend who was ruthlessly murdered:
From Richard Foster's ransacked Savanna Guest House To his grey Toyota truck that police found yesterday morning in the bushes in Mahogany Heights.
To the dreadful discovery of Foster's body in the evening near this creek in the Rivera area of Belmopan. It has been a distressing series of events – all leading up to this tragic end. Police got a call about his body after 7:00 last night and they swarmed the Rivera area.
Carlos Valle - Rivera Area Resident
"I just see the patrol police passing every minute, I get frightened, I said what happened but I didn't know nothing until today I heard they found a body by the river."
According to police, Foster had stab wounds to his body along with head injuries. Now did his attacker or attackers kill him here in the Rivera area or at his home and then dump his body here? There are still many unanswered questions as to what exactly happened.
Voice of Friend
"This is still an unsolved case and it is a crime scene so I don't think there is much information available."
But what is for certain, a legend is gone. Richard Foster was a world renowned film maker. He filmed and produced 16 nature documentaries - most of them set in Belize - going as far back as 1980.
Foster's friend of 20 years describes how impactful his work was in Belize and around the world and also just how rare and special he was a person.
Voice of Friend
"What I would say is that Richard Foster is a kind, generous, loving person. He would never hurt a fly. He is one of the most accomplished wildlife film makers and conservationists in this country. He is a legend and his loss will be felt in Belize and in the world. If anybody has any information pertaining to his murder I would hope that they come forward and contact the police department and appropriate agencies as soon as possible."
Our information is that the motive was robbery and that the attacker or attackers broke into Foster's home, collected his guns, kidnapped him, took his pickup and then later executed him at the Rivera area.
Police are looking for a suspect from Hattieville - who is a well-known crime figure. As seen on this poster, there is a $1,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the arrest and charge of persons responsible for the murder of Richard Foster.
Foster had been living in Belize for over 40 years, and was loved and admired by many in Belize. The staff from the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center were close to the Fosters and they sent a release. It states, quote, "We deeply mourn the tragic loss of our long-time colleague and dear friend, Richard Foster. We are forever grateful and honoured to have had Richard as part of our Zoo family.... he was at the foundation and heart of this institution, and, through his camera lens, passionately shared our commitment to the protection of Belize's wildlife and their habitats."
As you saw in the story, Foster was involved in many international nature documentaries, and this weekend Channel 7 will be airing two of his most seminal: "Selva Verde, The Green Jungle" and "Amate The Great Fig Tree", both filmed in Belize.
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