7 News Belize

Alleged Intruder Found Dead After Burglary At Lodge
posted (December 11, 2024)
A Dangriga man was found dead outside a remote southern resort early this morning - and police suspect he was an intruder that fell to his death.

It happened at Tobacco Caye at the Reef's End Lodge. Between 2:15 and 2:30 a.m. two tourists were asleep in a Cabana when they were startled awake by noises and discovered a dark-skinned male, appearing to be in his 20s, rummaging through their belongings.

A confrontation ensued and the intruder was reportedly thrown over the balcony of the cabana, which overlooks the sea. Workers later found the man unresponsive on the ground below the balcony.

The deceased has been identified as 22 year old Leonard Baltazar, known as "Uzi."

His family told us he had left to go fishing and that was the last time they saw him alive. So when the news broke that he had been killed out at Tobacco Caye early this morning, they were shocked. His aunt says that she had seen her nephew hours before his death.

Arlene Westby, Aunt of Deceased
"So it's just weird that I saw him yesterday and by this morning this is the kind of news that we got."

"Well I know he didn't grow up perfect. He grew up around us, sometimes he is around us, sometimes he is with his mom. You know those ways but I know that he and my children they used to be very close you understand? Like I said everyone grew up as one he grew up in this neighborhood sometimes you are around sometimes you're not. He has a little brother who is very very close to him he is the one I really feel for because I know that he really really love his brother so my sadness this morning when u heard the news went straight to my nephew because I know how much pain he will be in because he will miss his big brother because they are close so to me that is the saddest part for me that he lost his big brother like that you understand me? I don't really know what happened but like they said they will do an investigation."

It is unclear if any charges will be brought against the tourists - though it appears highly unlikely.

Police have not issued any report on this incident and we could not reach the Lodge for comment.

Home | Archives | Downloads/Podcasts | Advertise | Contact Us

7 News Belize