A Vancouver resident was tragically found deceased at a wellness facility in Belize following a stabbing incident, as confirmed by local law enforcement officials on Monday morning. The deceased was identified as Marty Thorne, whose body was discovered before 8 a.m. at RawSpa, a resort situated near Bullet Tree Village in Belize, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Belize City and 37 kilometers southwest of Belmopan, the country’s capital.
Upon investigation, authorities disclosed that a caretaker observed blood at a cabana within RawSpa, where Thorne’s body was located about 50 meters away near a river on the premises. One individual is currently in custody in connection with the incident, while the police are actively seeking two additional suspects whom they suspect Thorne might have been acquainted with, noting that only her cellphone was reported missing. The exact motive behind the crime and cause of death remain undisclosed pending an autopsy.
Thorne, who had been residing in Belize since her youth, returned to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic and revisited Belize approximately six weeks ago. Law enforcement officials have informed Thorne’s two sons, who reside in Vancouver, that their father is of Belizean descent.
In response to inquiries, one of Thorne’s sons expressed shock and indicated a need to consult with family members before considering an interview. Global Affairs Canada acknowledged the passing of a Canadian national in Belize and offered condolences to the bereaved family. Consular authorities are liaising with local officials for further details and to extend necessary support to the family, citing privacy protocols for refraining from disclosing additional information.